Nasal Obstruction.

Health insurance companies commonly require a trial of corticosteroid nasal spray prior to authorizing nasal surgery, even in patients with severe to extreme anatomical nasal obstruction, despite lack of data supporting such medical therapy. To provide a model for the comparative analysis of medical vs surgical treatment for nasal obstruction to help maximize health care benefit per dollar spent and to explore the cost-effectiveness of corticosteroid nasal spray in patients with severe to extreme nasal airway obstruction on Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. A cost-efficiency frontier economic evaluation was performed. The economic perspective was that of the health care third-party payer. Effectiveness data were obtained from NOSE score questionnaires in 179 patients. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was determined from the cost and efficacy data. Comparative treatment groups were medical therapy with corticosteroid nasal spray vs surgical therapy for nasal airway obstruction. The study was conducted between January 1, 2011, and December 30, 2013. The time horizon included 1, 2, and 5 years. Data analysis was completed June 1, 2015. The primary outcome was cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). A modified Markov decision tree model was used. Costs were obtained from the Medicare 2015 physician fee schedule, and the mean was determined (owing to geographic disparity) along with wholesale and generic pharmaceutical pricing. Among 100 men and 79 women evaluated (mean [SD] age, 37.9 [12.9] years), surgical repair of severe nasal airway obstruction cost $6537 and produced a total of 1.15 QALYs at 1 year. Medical treatment involved a trial of corticosteroid nasal sprays, which cost $520 and produced a total of 1.03 QALYs. The surgical approach was markedly more effective but at greater short-term cost. In cases of extreme nasal obstruction, medical treatment cost $520.73 with 1.004 QALYs, demonstrating an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $354 693 per QALY compared with no treatment. Conversely, surgical treatment cost $6536.64 and produced 1.136 QALYs, with an ICER of $45 633 compared with medical therapy. At 5 years, the ICER decreased from $45 634 to $8110 per QALY for surgical treatment of extreme nasal obstruction. The medical treatment ICER decreased from $354 693 per QALY at 1 year to $273 704 per QALY at 5 years. An ICER was performed and demonstrated a cost threshold of $50 554 per QALY for surgical treatment compared with $67 518 per QALY for medical treatment at 1 year for severe nasal obstruction. If the evaluation is extended to 5 years, surgical treatment cost $8984 per QALY compared with $52 571 per QALY for medical treatment. Owing to the improved effectiveness outcomes, greater cost savings per ICER was demonstrated in patients with extreme nasal obstruction. Surgical treatment for patients with severe to extreme anatomical nasal obstruction demonstrates increased short-term expense but is cost-effective in the long term. These data suggest that treatment with corticosteroid nasal spray in patients with documented severe to extreme anatomical nasal obstruction is unnecessary and results in a delay in treatment. NA.

Nasal Airflow in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Objectives: Nasal obstruction is known to be associated with a major decrease in disease-specific quality of life, and nasal valve dysfunction can play a considerable role in nasal airflow obstruction. There are many procedures for treating this type of nasal obstruction. Aim: Evaluate the efficiency of minimally invasive valve repair for the treatment of nasal obstruction due to nasal valve stenosis in comparison with the reduction of the size of inferior turbinate by coblation and sub mucosal diathermy (SMD). Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted atl–erbil from November 20, 2011, to September 19, 2013. The study included 43 patients suffering from nasal obstruction for more than 6 months. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the type of surgery carried out (minimally invasive valve repair, coblation and submucosal diathermy [SMD] of inferior turbinate). Patients were followed for 3 months, and the data were statistically analyzed. Results: Patients showed highly significant differences between pre- and 1st, 30th, and 90th days postoperative total nose scale scores ( P = .0001). The difference between 1st and 30th and 90th days total score was also significant. While patients treated by coblation and SMD showed no significant difference in the mean nose score ( P = .705 and P = .2), postoperative morbidity was less in the minimal invasive valve repair group compared with coblation and SMD groups. Conclusions: Minimal invasive valve repair had more rapid improvement and less postoperative morbidity in comparison with coblation and SMD of inferior turbinate.

Introduction: Nasal obstruction may originate from the nasal valve. Many surgical techniques to improve the nasal valve are available but may fail to correct obstruction originating from a narrow pyriform aperture. We present a technique to widen the narrow pyriform aperture and review the literature. Materials and Methods: The article highlights a retrospective case series of patients who underwent pyriform widening with concurrent Z-plasty (PWZ) for nasal obstruction. Subjective measures of nasal obstruction were analyzed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. The procedure consists of an incision made anterior to the inferior turbinate along the inferior aspect of the lateral bony pyriform. The periosteum is elevated, and a rongeur is used to widen the exposed bone. After oblique incisions are made, soft tissue flaps are elevated and transposed. The literature is reviewed. Results: Six adults underwent PWZ for nasal obstruction from 2011 through 2014. Three patients had prior nasal surgery. All patients reported subjective improvement, with mean NOSE scale scores of 15.7 preoperatively and 9.7 postoperatively. In the literature, all prior articles on pyriform aperture widening report positive outcomes. Conclusions: The surgical correction of nasal obstruction is challenging, given the complexity of the nasal valve. Upon review of the literature and analysis of our experience, we advocate consideration of PWZ in patients with anatomic obstruction at the level of the pyriform rim who have failed previous procedures or as an adjunct to primary nasal valve surgery. Further research is needed to examine the effects of pyriform widening on nasal obstruction.

IMPORTANCE A gold standard objective measure of nasal airway obstruction (NAO) does not currently exist, so patient-reported measures are commonly used, particularly the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the visual analog scale (VAS). However, questions remain regarding how best to use these instruments. OBJECTIVES To systematically review studies on NOSE and VAS scores in patients with NAO and to compile and standardize the data to (1) define symptomatic and normative values for presurgical and postsurgical patients with NAO, asymptomatic individuals, and the general population; (2) determine if postsurgical scores are comparable with asymptomatic scores; and (3) determine if there is a clinically useful preoperative and postoperative score change. EVIDENCE REVIEW A systematic review of the literature was performed through PubMed for studies assessing NOSE and VAS scores in patients with chronic NAO. Strict inclusion criteria were applied to focus on anatomic obstruction only. For statistical analysis, the patients were classified as asymptomatic, presurgical and postsurgical with NAO, and the general population. FINDINGS The mean (SD) NOSE and VAS scores for a patient with NAO were 65 (22) and 6.9 (2.3), respectively. The mean postsurgical NOSE and VAS scores were 23 (20) and 2.1 (2.2), respectively. The mean asymptomatic individual NOSE and VAS scores were 15 (17) and 2.1 (1.6). The mean NOSE and VAS scores for the general population were 42 (27) and 4.6 (2.6), respectively. The mean presurgical to postsurgical change was more than 40 for NOSE scores and more than 4.0 for VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We have shown that normative and abnormal value ranges for NOSE and VAS can be established for clinical use. Given the consistency of both scales, we conclude that these measures can be used as a clinically meaningful measure of successful surgical outcomes.

A subjective feeling of nasal airflow obstruction is a common symptom. An objective method for quantitative measurement of nasal airflow has long been desired. Rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry have been developed for anatomical and physiological evaluation of nasal obstruction. This study was designed to determine the usefulness of a portable spirometer in assessing upper airway obstruction. One hundred and ninety-six patients were assessed with nasal inspiratory spirometry to determine nasal airflow. All patients also underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography to determine anatomical abnormalities. Spirometry was performed on each nostril separately. Sensitivity and specificity levels were high. This portable and easy to use device may be useful in respiratory assessment. Correlation between anatomical obstructions and subjects' complaints was statistically significant (p < 0.001), but no definite correlation between septal deviation severity and spirometric values was found. Portable spirometry is an objective and useful method of evaluating nasal obstruction, but needs more investigation to establish a standardised test.

The relationship between nasal airway function and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) remains unclear. Although correction of nasal obstruction can significantly improve nighttime breathing in some patients, nasal obstruction may not play a role in all cases of SDB. An effective method of stratifying these patients is needed. Acoustic rhinometry (AR) is a reliable, noninvasive method of measuring the dimensions of the nasal airway. In 44 patients, we performed acoustic rhinometric measurements of nasal airway cross-sectional area, followed by hospital-based polysomnography and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) level titration. We compared anatomic nasal obstruction to perceived nasal obstruction, as well as respiratory distress index and nCPAP titration level, using the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis within body mass index groups. Perceived nasal obstruction correlated significantly with objective anatomic obstruction as measured by AR (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). For certain subgroup analyses in patients with a body mass index below 25, AR measurements correlated significantly with both nCPAP titration pressure (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) and respiratory distress index (r = 0.67, p = 0,03). Nasal airway function may be a significant component of SDB in some patients, perhaps playing a larger role in patients who are not overweight. The best responders to nasal surgery for SDB may be nonoverweight patients with nasal obstruction. AR along with nasal examination may be helpful in the evaluation and treatment of the SDB patient.

In order to study the types of nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis, nasal allergen challenge was performed in 18 atopic patients, compared with a control group consisting of 10 healthy volunteers. Passive anterior rhinomanometry was used as an objective evaluation of nasal airway resistance. A 100% increase of nasal airway resistance was considered to be a positive reaction. In the control group, no obvious nasal obstruction was recorded after nasal phosphate buffered saline challenge. In the patient group, nasal obstruction occurred only after challenge in 94% during the early phase and in 82% during the late phase. During the late-phase four major types of nasal obstruction were found, i.e. no nasal obstruction; one-sided nasal obstruction only; bilateral nasal obstruction; and alternating nasal obstruction. Of the four types, the alternating type was the most common (47%) type, especially during the late-phase.

Objectives: Nasal obstruction is a common presenting symptom in otolaryngology practice. Frequent etiologies include allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, inferior turbinate hypertrophy (HIT), and nasal septal deviation (DNS). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between major causes of nasal obstruction and their effect on patient-reported quality of life (QoL). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with nasal obstruction who completed the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, and a visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were categorized into three groups based on etiology: rhinitis, anatomical obstruction, or combined pathology. Results: The study included 170 patients (62% male), with a mean age of 38.4 years. Mean SNOT-22, NOSE, and VAS scores were 38, 61, and 6.5, respectively, with no statistically significant differences observed among the three etiologic groups. QoL outcomes were also comparable across anatomical subgroups, including isolated DNS, HIT, or combined findings. Among SNOT-22 domains, rhinologic symptoms demonstrated the highest burden. Patients with rhinitis exhibited significantly higher rhinologic and ear/facial symptom scores compared with patients with isolated anatomical obstruction (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). Strong correlations were observed between SNOT-22, NOSE, and VAS scores across the entire cohort. Conclusions: Nasal obstruction is associated with substantial impairment in multiple domains of quality of life, independent of the underlying etiology. These findings highlight the broad impact of nasal obstruction on patient well-being. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further assess changes in quality of life following medical and surgical interventions.

To determine the cause of nasal valve obstruction in a series of patients requiring surgical correction, to evaluate the efficacy of our surgical techniques, and to assess the cosmetic effect of nasal valve repair. Retrospective review of 53 consecutive cases involving adult patients who underwent nasal valve reconstruction over an 8-year period. The preoperative symptom severity, cause of nasal valve obstruction, preoperative photographs, anatomical findings at the time of surgery, and reconstructive techniques were reviewed. Postoperative photographs and resolution of symptoms were analyzed. The most common cause of nasal valve obstruction was previous rhinoplasty (79%), followed by nasal trauma (15%) and congenital anomaly (6%). Spreader grafts were used in 42 patients (79%), and alar batten grafts were used in 19 patients (36%). The patients received a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. All 12 patients with external valve dysfunction showed improvement after surgery. Thirteen (93%) of the 14 patients with concomitant external and internal valve dysfunction had improvement in nasal obstruction after treatment. Twenty-four (89%) of 27 patients with internal nasal valve dysfunction reported improvement in nasal obstruction. Spreader grafts caused a widening of the middle third of the nose. Alar batten grafts resulted in effacement of deep alar creases and a widening of the nasal tip. We have found that surgical correction of nasal valve obstruction is extremely effective in improving subjective nasal obstruction. Success of this procedure is predicated by correct diagnosis and appropriate surgical technique.

Uroflowmetry is an effective, non-invasive method for detecting lower urinary tract obstruction. However, by the nature of the uroflowgram, it is impossible to distinguish between the anatomical and functional obstruction of the urethra. The aim of the study was to develop a screening non-invasive method for the diagnosis of anatomical urethral obstruction using uroflowmetry with a pharmacourodynamic test with selective alpha-1-blocker silodosin. The study involved 235 patients aged 66.2±1.8 years (from 30 to 76 years) with symptoms of the lower urinary tract (LUTS). Uroflowmetry was performed using a “Flow-K” uroflowmeter. Ultrasound examinations of the kidneys, prostate and bladder with determination of residual urine were performed using a HONDA HS-2000 ultrasound machine. All patients underwent a pharmacourodynamic test: repeated uroflowmetry 2.5-3 hours after a single dose of 8 mg of silodosin, taking into account the pharmacodynamics of the drug. During the pharmacourodynamic test, 15 patients with obstructive or obstructive-interrupted uroflowgram had no reaction to silodosin, which was considered a positive test for anatomical (mechanical) urethral obstruction. Аn increase the maximum and average volumetric flow rate of urine during urination by 25-30%, respectively from 9.02±0.24 ml/s up to 11.69±0.32 ml/s and from 5.64±0.21 ml/s to 7.03±0.25 ml/s, were noted in 220 patients with obstructive, obstructive-interrupted obstructive-intermittent or intermittent type of uroflowgram when conducting a pharmacaurodynamic test. Such results were considered negative for anatomical (mechanical) urethral obstruction. They testified to functional obstruction of the urethra, which was subsequently successfully corrected with prescribing selective alpha-1-blockers. Patients with a positive pharmacourodynamic test were prescribed further examination using such methods as ureteroscopy, urethrocystoscopy, retrograde urethrography, to confirm the violation of the patency of the urethra or bladder neck. Urethral stricture was diagnosed in 10 patients, a calculus of the posterior urethra in 2 patients, a median lobe of the prostate gland in 3 patients with BPH. In the presence of obstructive or obstructive-interrupted uroflowgram in patients with LUTS, the pharmacourodynamic test with silodosin can be used as a screening non-invasive test to detect anatomical obstruction of the lower urinary tract.

Radionuclide esophageal emptying and long-acting nitrates (Nitroderm) in childhood achalasia.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Nasal obstruction is a predominant symptom in hypertrophied inferior turbinate. It can be understood as Nasanaha (~nasal obstruction) in Ayurveda. Even though there are many conditions of the nose causing nasal blockage; inferior turbinate hypertrophy which is a cardinal feature in hypertrophic rhinitis is one of the most common causes of anatomical nasal obstruction, the others being internal nasal valve stenosis and septal deviation. The turbinate hypertrophy in this condition can be managed medically using nasal decongestants and corticosteroids and it can be also managed surgically. Continuous use of nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion. Surgical management also has limitations such as synechiae formation and postoperative bleeding. Kshara pratisarana (~external application of alkali), which is one among the types of parasurgical procedures explained in Ayurveda, can be used effectively in this condition. Moreover, nasal obstruction is one of the most common symptoms presented to an otorhinolaryngologist and it badly affects the quality of life of the patient. The present case report is a case of a 24-year-old female who was unable to sleep properly due to severe nasal obstruction and chronic rhinitis along with hypertrophy of both inferior turbinates. This also affected her studies badly. She also complains of thick nasal discharge along with obstruction. The patient had the complaints for two years but the symptoms became more severe during the past six months. On anterior rhinoscopic examination using Thudicum's nasal speculum, the presence of bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy was observed. The patient was treated with Pratisarana of Kadali kshara (~alkali of Musa paradisiaca Linn.) along with Sigrusimhyadi taila nasya. The treatment was effective in the present case with no recurrence during a follow-up period of 30 days. This case report revealed that nasal obstruction, which is a common problem seen nowadays can be managed effectively using Ayurvedic intervention.

The objective of the study is to examine the specific features of the aerodynamic processes in the nasal cavity of patients with subjective nasal obstruction, and to make a differentiated analysis of the causes of its formation. Materials and methods: the authors examined 72 patients aged 18 to 64 years with subjective complaints of nasal breathing obstructions. Of these, 36 patients had not previously undergone surgical correction of external nose and intra-nasal structures. The other 36 patients have undergone septoplasty, rhinoplasty, turbinotomy or inferior nasal concha vasotomy over the period of 2.7±0.6 years. All subjects were surveyed, nasal obstruction was assessed using VAS scale, otorhinolaryngological examination and anterior active rhinomanometry with calculation of nasal resistance and volumetric nasal flow and acoustic rhinometry with the measurement of MCA 1 before and after α2-adrenomimetic test was performed. Results: in the patients with subjective nasal breathing obstructions, who had not previously undergone surgical correction of the external nose and intra-nasal structures, the most frequently identified causes of nasal obstruction are functional (38.9%) and structural (38.9%). The combined structural and functional changes in airflow circulation were found in 22.2% (8 patients). According to the modified VAS scale, 12 patients (32.6%) in this group had an underestimation of subjective degree of nasal obstruction, compared with objectively recorded aerodynamic respiratory function parameters. Among patients who had previously undergone surgical correction of intra-nasal structures, according to objective assessment of aerodynamic parameters, 11.1% have no nasal breathing disorders, in 47.2% of patients, the main cause of nasal obstruction is the nasal mucosa reactive edema, and 36.1% of patients have unsatisfactory functional results of surgical treatment due to incomplete correction of structural disorders. Conclusion: the anterior active rhinomanometry in combination with acoustic rhinometry should be conducted if the patients have subjective nasal breathing obstructions both at the stage of planning the surgical correction of intra-nasal structures and in the remote postoperative period for differentiated analysis of the nasal obstruction causes and provision of optimal functional result.