[Optical Rhinometry. Continuous, direct measurement of swelling of the nasal mucosa with allergen provocation. Real-time monitoring of the nasal provocation test using optical rhinometry].
BACKGROUND
Various methods exist for measuring swelling of the nasal mucosa. This is necessary in order to make the nasal provocation test objective. With the new method of optical rhinometry, it is possible to measure swelling of the mucosa directly from outside of the nose in real-time. The measurement is carried out with monochromatic near-infrared light of different wavelengths, the intensity change of which are recorded and displayed during the swelling.


METHODS
With the help of a specially developed prototype of an optical rhinometer, we carried out measurements on 15 subjects having positive nasal provocation tests with histamine and allergens, negative provocation tests with allergens in non-allergics, negative provocation tests with control solution, and decongestion with xylometazoline.


RESULTS
We found significant differences between positive and negative provocation tests ( P<0.01). Decongestion was different from all other groups ( P<0.01). Nasal congestion subjectively reported by the subject always correlated with the optical rhinometry findings.


CONCLUSIONS
The objective assessment of nasal swelling using optical rhinometry seems reliable. The course of the endonasal swelling can thereby be monitored in real-time. The measurement is largely independent of the cooperation of the patient. The swelling is measured directly and not indirectly via air flow resistance.
Wüstenberg
E G
EG
Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. egwuestenberg@hotmail.com
Hüttenbrink
K-B
KB
Hauswald
B
B
Hampel
U
U
Schleicher
E
E
D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009862:Online Systems; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*