Visual analog scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction in persistent allergic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
Nasal airflow resistance, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, rhinomanometry is scarcely available. The aim of this study was to verify the suitability of the use of visual analog scales (VAS) as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in quantifying nasal obstruction in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
Prospective study on patients with allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
ENT clinic.


METHODS
Fifty patients (27 males, mean age 23 years, SD 2.24) were studied. VAS for nasal obstruction and other AR symptoms and rhinomanometry were performed in all patients.


RESULTS
A significant, very strong correlation has been observed between VAS for nasal obstruction and nasal airflow resistance (Spearman r = 0.879, P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant correlation exists between VAS for rhinorrhea and resistance (Spearman r = 0.313, P = 0.027).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of VAS for assessing the nasal obstruction appears clinically relevant in that it allows, with good reliability, the quantification of this symptom in the absence of rhinomanometry.
Department of Internal Medicine, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy. gio.cip@libero.it
Giorgio
G
Ciprandi
Francesco
F
Mora
Michele
M
Cassano
Anna Maria
AM
Gallina
Renzo
R
Mora
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D055815:Young Adult