Objective measurements of nasal airway testing

Abstract

The objective measurement of nasal airway function has become increasingly important in the evaluation of both clinical responses and nasal challenge testing methodology when both the diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases are assessed. Such measurements include the quantitation of nasal symptoms by use of symptom diaries, nasal physical examination, and scoring systems, and assessment of structural and functional changes of the nasal mucosa by light and electron microscopy and by other methods using radioisotopes. In addition, quantitation of nasal secretions along with qualitative analysis of various components of nasal secretions has recently shed new light on the pathologic picture of nasal disease. Various means of measuring changes in nasal blood flow and nasal airflow have enjoyed increasing use in both investigative and clinical application. Measurement of nasal cross-sectional area along with objective assessment of eustachian tube dysfunction and the use of various pharmacologic and immunologic probes have allowed varying approaches to the evaluation of nasal airway structure and Junction in both health and disease.