V.A.S. in the follow-up of turbinectomy.
BACKGROUND
Nasal airflow resistance, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, rhinomanometry is not widely available. Visual analogue scales (VAS) have been proposed to assess symptom severity in AR.


OBJECTIVE
To verify the suitability of the use of the VAS as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis and treated with turbinectomy in quantifying nasal obstruction during the follow-up.


METHODS
Fifty patients (27 males, mean age 23 years, SD 2.24) were studied. VAS for nasal obstruction and rhinomanometry were performed in all patients before turbinectomy and after 6 months.


RESULTS
A significant correlation was observed between VAS for nasal obstruction and nasal airflow resistance (Spearman r = 0.879, p < 0.001) at baseline. Moreover, a significant direct relationship between these two variables was observed (r = 0.567, p < 0.001) also at the follow-up after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of VAS for assessing the nasal obstruction appears as clinically relevant, in that it allows with good reliability to quantify this symptom in the absence of rhinomanometry in the follow-up of patients treated with turbinectomy.
Mora
Francesco
F
ENT Clinic, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy.
Cassano
Michele
M
Mora
Renzo
R
Gallina
Anna Maria
AM
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000601:surgery*; D025363:Rhinomanometry; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014420:Turbinates / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult