Comparison of nasal patency after nose-blowing between pinch versus no pinch method: a randomized controlled trial

We proposed that nose-blowing without pinching was safer and able to get rid of mucus and maintain nasal patency as effective as the pinch and blow method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nasal patency after nose-blowing by pinching the nose versus no pinching. The patients who have nasal discharge such as allergic rhinitis or common cold were recruited. The patients were randomized to perform pinching or no pinching nose-blowing. Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. The objective evaluation using acoustic rhinometry found no difference in nasal patency between the two groups (p > 0.05). The subjective patency score was significantly higher in the pinch one nostril shut group (mean difference 0.88, 95% CI 0.20–1.55). The patency of the two methods were comparable according to the objective test. However, the patients felt that their nose was clearer when pinching and blowing.

Effects of Supine and Prone Positions on Nasal Patency in Healthy Individuals

Objectives: Supine position reduces nasal patency compared with that in the sitting position; however, data on the effects of prone position on nasal patency is lacking. Methods: We assessed the nasal patency of 30 healthy individuals without upper respiratory tract disorders by using visual analog scale (VAS) score and acoustic rhinometry in 7 positions: sitting; frontal, right, and left supine; and frontal, right, and left prone. Results: According to the VAS scores, compared with that in the sitting position, both the supine and prone positions significantly increased subjective nasal obstruction ( P < .001). The prone position had a more significant effect than did the supine position ( P = .017). The results of minimal cross-sectional area measured through acoustic rhinometry demonstrated that both the supine and prone positions reduced the nasal patency significantly, but without significant differences between the effects of prone and supine positions ( P = .794). Conclusion: This is the first study to elucidate that the prone position can significantly reduce the nasal patency in healthy individuals through subjective and objective assessments. Level of Evidence: IV

557 Nasal cavity narrowing in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction The contribution of nasal cavity narrowing to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children has not been well-defined. Acoustic rhinometry is a non-invasive technique that uses acoustic pulses to measure nasal cavity cross-sectional area (CSA) at defined distances from the tip of the naris. This study evaluated the relationship between nasal cavity CSA and OSA in children. We hypothesized that OSA severity would correlate with reduced nasal CSA. Methods Children 5–12 years of age with OSA underwent polysomnography and acoustic rhinometry at baseline and after 3 months and 12 months of growth as part of a randomized controlled trial. Statistical analysis of the nasal cavity CSA up to 6 cm from the tip of the naris was performed using mixed-effects linear regression model with visit month, age at visit, trial number, OSA severity, and side (left or right naris), and statistical interaction between OAHI category and distance from the tip of the nose as a fixed effect and the random effects set on the level of individual subject. Least significant differences were used to account for multiple comparisons. An unbiased approach using latent class analysis was used to determine OSA severity categories based on obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI). Post-hoc analysis was used assess the model adjusted (marginal) means and pairwise effects. Results 112 participants completed testing (50% male, aged 7.9±2.1 years). Median (IQR) OAHI for subjects with mild OSA (n=69) was 4.4/hr (3.2), moderate OSA (n=35) was 9.7/hr (7.1), and severe OSA (n=8) was 21.3/hr (17.2). There was a significant difference in linear trend for nasal cavity narrowing of the CSA between patients with mild vs. moderate OSA, p=0.023. There was no difference in nasal cavity narrowing between the severe group and other groups, likely due to the small sample size of this group. Conclusion There is a difference in the anterior nasal cavity narrowing between children with mild OSA and moderate OSA. In addition to structural narrowing from adenotonsillar hypertrophy, this may be another contributor to pediatric OSA. Support (if any) R01 HL120909 K23 HL135346 K01 HL130719

Outcomes of microdebrider-assisted versus radiofrequency-assisted inferior turbinate reduction surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional randomised studies

Background: The microdebrider technique was introduced in clinical practice to provide a better outcome in nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique, by comparison with the radiofrequency-assisted modality. Methodology: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched to retrieve relevant randomised studies published prior to November 2019. Randomised Trials in English that studied the difference between the two techniques among adult patients were eligible for the current review. Data extraction and study inclusion were guided by PRISMA guidelines. The outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10) for nasal obstruction, anterior active rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. A meta-analysis was carried out to quantify the difference between the two techni- ques, for each measured outcome. Results: Seven randomised trials were included and quantitatively analysed in this meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed that the microdebrider-assisted technique demonstrated significantly better VAS (0-10) for nasal obstruction scores in early and late posto- perative follow-up. Whilst no difference was noted using the objective measurements (rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry) at early follow-up, microdebrider-assisted technique showed superior results in long-term follow-up, as evidenced using anterior active rhinomanometry. Conclusions: The microdebrider-assisted technique results in a better outcome, particularly in long-term follow-up, when compa- red with radiofrequency.

Evaluation of Nasal Patency Among Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Cleft Versus Non-Cleft Side

Objective: To evaluate the nasal patency using acoustic rhinometry (AR) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to ascertain the rhinological importance of the same. Methods: Eccovision Acoustic Rhinometer system was used for assessment of nasal cross-sectional area (CSA) and volume in 15 patients with UCLP. The CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3, which represent the CSA at the nasal valve area and anterior end of the inferior turbinate, the anterior half of the inferior turbinate and the anterior end of the middle turbinate, and the region of middle portion of middle turbinate, respectively, were compared on the cleft and non-cleft side. Results: The mean ± SD of CSA1, CSA2, and CSA3 as well as the overall nasal CSA were significantly higher on non-cleft side compared to cleft side ( P value < .001). The mean ± SD of nasal volume was also significantly higher in non-cleft side compared to cleft side ( P value < .001). Conclusions: The nasal patency among patients with UCLP demonstrates a range of impairments that can be objectively measured using acoustic rhinometry. The orthodontic, orthopedic, or orthosurgical management of maxillary deficiency in these patients can affect the nasal area and volume and can have an impact on breathing, speech, and sleep. The pretreatment assessment may be useful to identify patients who are at potential risk of deterioration of nasal patency and airway post-intervention. Taking into consideration the multiple diagnostic procedures in the course of long-term multidisciplinary treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate, a noninvasive investigation technique such as AR may be the preferred mode of investigation to ascertain nasal patency.