Assessment of nasal cycle by acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry

Abstract

We sought to investigate the pattern, duration, and amplitude of nasal cycle and its response to nasal decongestant. Ten adult volunteers attended 2 sessions (with and without nasal spray of 0.1% xylometazoline) for consecutive examinations by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry every 10 minutes over 6 hours. A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal minimum cross-sectional area, volume, and nasal resistances (inspiration and expiration) could be observed in every consecutive measurement. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.33 to -0.70, P < 0.05) between both nasal passages was shown in 5 subjects by rhinomanometry and in 2 subjects by acoustic rhinometry but was not detectable after nasal spray with 0.1% xylometazoline. A spontaneous fluctuation in nasal patency can be documented every 10 minutes with irregular pattern, frequency, and amplitude. Classic nasal cycle is not a universal phenomenon, which can be abolished by the application of decongestant.