Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Questionnaire and Age-Related Changes of the Nose

Background and Aim: Aging is a dynamic process affecting nasal geometry, physiology, and functions. Older people usually present with no disease-specific nasal complaints such as nasal obstruction, postnasal drip and crusting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire outcome is affected by aging changes. Material and Methods: Eighty nonsmoking healthy volunteers (40 women and 40 men) were enrolled in the study. The age of the volunteers (range 28–84 years) was equally distributed. All volunteers were asked to complete a NOSE questionnaire. Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry were performed in all volunteers. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the data. Results: No statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between age and score on the NOSE questionnaire (Spearman correlation: r > 0.08, P > 0.22). Additionally, no covariation of rhinomanometric values with age was detected ( P > 0.05). Regarding acoustic rhinometry values, the mean cross-sectional areas of anterior and posterior nasal segment presented a weak positive correlation with age ( P > 0.002 and P > 0.004, respectively). The volume of the anterior nasal segment demonstrated a significant positive correlation with age ( P > 0.001). However this was not the case in the volume of the posterior nasal segment ( P > 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry values did not demonstrate a correlation with the scores obtained from NOSE. Conclusions: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation instrument is not affected by age changes. This study supports the utilization of the instrument in the elderly population with no need of modification to avoid any possible bias of the aging nose.