The contribution of erectile elements to nasal patency: an examination with nasal sound analysis

BackgroundThe objective of this work was to determine the role of nasal sound analysis using a software called Odiosoft-Rhino (OR) in evaluation of nasal erectile elements as a cause of nasal obstruction. Comparisons of nasal resistance, amplitude of the nasal sound frequency spectra, and visual analogue score (VAS) were made. MethodsNasal endoscopy, VAS, rhinomanometry (RMM), and OR were performed on 64 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy but without any other nasal problems, both untreated and 15 minutes after the application of topical decongestants (TDs). Results were compared and any correlation was investigated. ResultsFor inspiration, the OR intervals for both sides at all 5 frequency intervals changes significantly with decongestion, except for the left side at 0.5 to 1kHz. For expiration, the OR intervals for both sides changed significantly for 0.2 to 0.5 KHz and 2 to 4 kHz, but not for the other 3 frequency intervals. VAS correlated well with physical examination, both inspiratory and expiratory RMM, and 2 to 4 kHz inspiratory and expiratory nasal sound on both sides both before and after TD application. The 2 to 4 kHz inspiratory and expiratory nasal sound on both sides correlated well with inspiratory and expiratory RMM on both sides both before and after TD application. ConclusionOR is an efficient and reliable method to evaluate the role of the erectile components in nasal patency in the absence of allergy or septal deviation. It is practical and may be used in routine clinical practice. (C) 2014 ARS-AAOA, LLC.