Study of nasal cycles in children by acoustic rhinometry.
BACKGROUND
Studies concerning nasal cycle physiology in children are still rare, and controversies exist about its existence. This study was ascertained to evaluate the dynamic behavior of inferior turbinates in children by acoustic rhinometry.


METHODS
Sixteen volunteer patients, aged 2-11 years old (mean, 6.25 years), were evaluated between April and July 2003. The patients submitted to periodic acoustic rhinometry, with triplicate measurements (each 30 minutes) for 3 hours.


RESULTS
All evaluated children presented nasal cycles, with five children presenting a classic pattern (31.25%), three children presenting a concert pattern (18.75%), and eight children presenting an irregular pattern (50%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that children present nasal cycles, as well as adults. Nevertheless, the most prevalent pattern in children was the irregular pattern, whereas in adults the most frequently detected is the classic pattern.
Gallego
Aline J
AJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Cavallari
Fransérgio E M
FE
Valera
Fabiana C P
FC
Demarco
Ricardo C
RC
Anselmo-Lima
Wilma T
WT
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000502:physiology*; D009668:Nose Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic / Q000379:methods*