Nasal function objective measured by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry in children

Objective:To explore and determine the nasal functional objective date by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry in children.Methods: 168 school children (4～14 years old, male 84 female 84) were selected from grade 3 (4～6years group,n=46, 9～10 years group,n=60 and 13～14 years group, n=62)without respiratory tract disorders. Nasal volume were measured by means of the acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry (RhinoScan, RhinoMetrics, Demark). The measurement was performed in the undisturbed and keep temperature [(18～25)℃] schoolroom. The nasal volume were determined from 0 to 5 cm deapth from the front nostril and two cut section area: minimum cut area (MCA1 and 2). Nasal resistance were measured inspiration-expiration flux in all groups. The sum of nasal date from both sides was measured three times and recorded for further analysis. Results: Acoustic rhinometry: MCA1 distance(cm), MCA1(cm3), MCA2 distance(cm), MCA2(cm3),0～5cm dimension, credibility area 90%: Group A: 0.39±1.54,0.31±0.55,2.20±2.20,0.55±1.14,4.25±7.04cm3;Group B: 0.39 ± 2.20,0.24±0.65,2.20±3.85,0.26±1.17,1.15±5.53cm3;Group C:0.77 ± 2.20,0.41±0.80,2.20±2.7,0.44±1.24,2.62±8.44cm3.Rhinomanometry: expiration flux (cm3/s),90% credibility area ( kPa. s/L,),inspiration flux (cm3/s) ,90% credibility area ( kPa.s/L,):Group A: 168.2 ± 21.4,140.5±205.3,146.4±20.8,113.5±175.5;Group B:180.8±22.4,152.9±210.1,152.2±21.7,115.4±117.4; Group C:222.85±69.06,97.15±300.0,203.93±64.91,86.30±300.0,Conclusion: The children nasal limen is shorter than adult, as different age have different date, according to age fix on normal standard is necessary. The acoustic rhinometry than rhinomanometry is a simpler, easier technique in assessing nasal patency in children.