Objective measurement of nasal airway dimensions and resistance using acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry in habitual snorers compared with non-snorers

Abstract

Snorers represent a heterogeneous group that requires adequate assessment before recommending surgical treatment. Most studies of the pathophysiology of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea have emphasized anatomical abnormalities in the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal airways. It is still unclear if nasal airway restriction plays an important role in sleep-disordered breathing and there is no general consensus if treatment of nasal pathology should be included in the management of patients with snoring or sleep apnea. The aim of this study was to compare nasal dimensions and airflow resistance of habitual snorers with non-snoring individuals by means of acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. Sixty individuals were enrolled in this analytical cross-sectional study. They were divided in two groups: group A (case) consisted of 30 patients with a main complaint of chronic snoring referred to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic of Hazrat-e-Rasoul University Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Group B (control) consisted of 30 individuals without any complaint of snoring. The subjects were assessed objectively with acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. Nasal dimensions and airflow resistance were recorded for all individuals. The most common site of minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) was at the left concha-notch in both snoring and non-snoring individuals. Significant reduction of cross-sectional area of both isthmus and concha notches was seen in habitual snorers (P < 0.05). The mean total airflow resistances in both pressures of 75 and 150 Pa was higher in habitual snorers. Whereas, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The results of our study illustrate that acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry may be helpful methods for quantitative assessments of nasal airway respiratory function, and configuration in snorers; especially to evaluate site of MCA, decreased nasal cross-sectional area and increased nasal airflow resistance in habitual snorers which may lead to OSA.