[Nasal obstruction and its measurement].
Nasal obstruction is an important symptom of rhinitis. The present article presents the inflammatory mechanisms that lead to the clinical presentation of this symptom: conchal vasodilation, infiltration of mainly eosinophilic cells with activation of these cells and release of intracellular mediators. Given the importance of this symptom and its effects both on function and on quality of life, the various methods used to study it are discussed. Active anterior rhinometry (AAR), measurement of nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF), and acoustic rhinometry (AR) are discussed. The underlying principles, based on the trajectory of nasal air flow, techniques, and their advantages and disadvantages are presented. In conclusion, any of these methods can be used to evaluate nasal obstruction.
Olivé Pérez
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CAP Besos, Barcelona.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012212:Rheology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D025363:Rhinomanometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic