Changes In Nasal Volume Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Evaluation Effects of Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion on the Upper Airway Volume: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion is increasingly used clinically; however, the effect on the upper airway volume in patients with maxillary transverse deficiency has not been thoroughly evaluated yet. The following electronic databases were searched up to August 2022: Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. The reference lists of related articles were also reviewed by manual search. The Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials (ROB2) and the Risk of Bias in non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were used to evaluate the risks of bias of the included studies. The mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of changes in nasal cavity and upper airway volume were analyzed using a random-effects model, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Two reviewers independently completed the process of screening studies, extracting data, and assessing the quality of studies. In total, twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. After assessing the full texts, only thirteen studies were included, with nine studies selected for quantitative synthesis. Oropharynx volume increased significantly after immediate expansion (WMD: 3156.84; 95% CI: 83.63, 6230.06); however, there was no significant change in nasal volume (WMD: 2527.23; 95% CI: -92.53, 5147.00) and nasopharynx volume (WMD: 1138.29; 95% CI: -52.04, 2328.61). After retention a period, significant increases were found in nasal volume (WMD: 3646.27; 95% CI: 1082.77, 6209.77) and nasopharynx volume (WMD: 1021.10; 95% CI: 597.11, 1445.08). However, there was no significant change after retention in oropharynx volume (WMD: 789.26; 95% CI: -171.25, 1749.76), palatopharynx volume (WMD: 795.13; 95% CI: -583.97, 2174.22), glossopharynx volume (WMD: 184.50; 95% CI: -1745.97, 2114.96), and hypopharynx volume (WMD: 39.85; 95% CI: -809.77, 889.46). MARPE appears to be linked with long-term increases in nasal and nasopharyngeal volume. However, high-quality clinical trials are required to further verify the effects of MARPE treatment on the upper airway.

Evaluation of skeletal changes associated with surgically rapid palatal expansion without pterygomaxillary separation

IntroductionTo evaluate skeletal and nasal volume changes before and after surgery in surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) without pterygomaxillary separation and compare the dental changes by digital model analysis and radiographic analysis. Setting and samplePopulation A total of 18 patients (10 females and 8 males) aged 15–33 years and with completed skeletal development, who were referred to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Dentistry Faculty, Istanbul University and who had SARPE indication were included in the study. Materials and methodsSkeletal changes, lower nasal volume, transverse diameters of bony nasolacrimal duct and dental changes have been evaluated by using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before and 6 months after the surgery. CBCT data was determined by Mimics v.18.01. Dental changes have been also evaluated by digital model analysis program ‘Shape Orthoanalyzer’ and the data are compared with those obtained using CBCT. ResultsThe results obtained from dental measurements made using CBCT and those obtained using scanning three-dimensional (3D) models were consistent with each other. CBCT demonstrated that lower anterior nasal volume and transverse diameters of bony nasolacrimal duct showed statistically significant increase before and after the surgery. ConclusionsAccording to the study findings, SARPE without pterygomaxillary separation was noted to be an effective procedure. Lower nasal volumes were increased and the maxilla expanded in the transverse direction in all patients. Dental evaluations that were performed in this digital model analysis also supported our findings in CBCT. Transverse diameters of the bony nasolacrimal duct were shortened at all patients.

Computational Fluid Dynamics to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Inferior Turbinate Reduction Techniques to Improve Nasal Airflow

Inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of nasal obstruction. Which portion of the inferior turbinates should be surgically addressed to improve nasal airflow has yet to be determined. To use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to evaluate the airflow changes after reduction along different portions of the inferior turbinate. Computed tomographic scans of 5 patients were selected. Seven CFD models were created for each patient: 1 unaltered and 6 various ITRs, including 3 one-third ITRs (anterior, middle, and posterior one-third); 2 two-thirds ITRs (anterior and posterior two-thirds); and 1 full-length ITR model. Total airflow rate and nasal resistance was obtained through CFD analysis, and regression analysis was performed on the increased nasal volume, locations, and nasal resistance for all 5 patients. Total airflow rate and nasal resistance was obtained through CFD analysis, and regression analysis was performed on the increased nasal volume, locations, and nasal resistance for all 5 patients. Full ITR over the whole length was consistently most effective to improve nasal airflow and resistance for all 5 patients (2 men and 3 women), adjusted for the volume. Regression analysis showed a strong linear (R2≥0.79) relationship between nasal volume changes and nasal airflow. However, the most effective location of partial turbinate reduction was not consistent among patients. Surprisingly, for some patients, posterior ITRs were more effective than anterior ITRs. The site of most effective partial ITR differed from 1 side to the other even in the same individual. The effectiveness of partial ITR and target location likely depends on individual patient anatomy. The fact that full ITRs were consistently most effective and the linear regression between flow and nasal volume changes may indicate that the entire length of the IT has a functional impact on nasal airflow and resistance. NA.

Effects of changes in nasal volume on voice in patients after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

To investigate a potential correlation between changes in voice and changes in nasal volume. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) was performed on 120 patients between February 2009 and August 2016 by using the bilateral modified nasoseptal rescue flaps method. All the patients were subjected to pre- and postoperative paranasal computed tomography (CT) and voice evaluations by using acoustic analyses, a nasometer to measure the nasalance, and determination of the voice handicap index (VHI). Paranasal CT and the medical image processing software were used to calculate changes in nasal cavity volume in three nasal sections. Enlargement of the nasal cavity after surgery was evident in all three areas (anteronasal, p < 0.001; midnasal, p = 0.005; postnasal, p = 0.025). In addition, EETSA resulted in significantly higher mean nasalance scores for the oronasal passage (p < 0.001) and nasal passage (p < 0.001); more frequency perturbation (jitter) (p < 0.001) and amplitude perturbation (shimmer) (p < 0.001); and higher grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scores (p < 0.001), and VHI (p = 0.01). However, only changes in the nasal volume after EETSA correlated with postnasal hypernasality (r = 0.2; p = 0.029). Although changes in nasal volume, voice, and speech may develop after EETSA, we found that changes in nasal volume were not correlated with changes in any voice-quality measure. However, the postnasal cavity was the region most dramatically affected by EETSA, and postnasal volume changes after surgery may be associated with hypernasal speech.

Acoustic Rhinometry in Nasal Provocation Tests in Children and Adolescents.

To standardize acoustic rhinometry (AR) in nasal provocation tests (NPTs) with histamine in children and adolescents. We performed a cross-sectional validation to compare AR with anterior active rhinomanometry (AAR) during histamine NPT in 20 children and adolescents with persistent allergic rhinitis and 20 controls. Changes in total nasal resistance (AAR) were compared with changes in nasal volume in the first 5 cm (V5). Compared with controls, patients with rhinitis had significantly higher mean total nasal resistance (0.34 Pa/cm3/s vs 0.21 Pa/cm3/s; P=.01) and lower mean V5 values (8.20 cm3 vs 9.24 cm3; P=.04) at baseline. The mean histamine concentration necessary to increase total nasal resistance by at least 100% was significantly lower in the rhinitis group than in the control group (0.72 mg/mL vs 2.4 mg/mL; P<.001). At the end of the NPT a mean increase of 126% in total nasal resistance and a mean decrease of 24.3% in V5 were observed in the rhinitis group. When compared with the AAR criteria, the highest sensitivity and specificity values were observed for a cutoff represented by a 19%-21% drop in V5. We found AR to be a feasible and sensitive tool for monitoring nasal response in children and adolescents undergoing histamine NPT. The best AR cutoff for ending the NPT was a 19%-21% drop in V5.

Evaluation of aspirin hypersensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Conclusion The recurrence rates of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) were higher in the aspirin nasal provocation test (ANPT)-positive group, regardless of the presence of nasal polyps. Thus, a careful endoscopic examination is required during follow-up in ANPT-positive patients with CRS. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognosis after surgical treatment in patients with CRS and aspirin hypersensitivity. Methods In a prospective study, 100 patients were analyzed with CRS who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery at the hospital from October 2012 to March 2013. This study measured changes in nasal volume and symptoms before and after the ANPT and examined patient’s asthma history, allergy, Lund–Mackay score (LMS), total immunoglobulin E, percentage of peripheral eosinophils, and objectively measured relapse at 6 months. Results Patients wwith CRS and nasal polyps (CRSwNP) were more likely to have a positive ANPT test result compared to those without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (21.4% vs 5.5%). The ANPT-positive group had a higher LMS and required more revision endoscopic sinus surgery than those in the ANPT-negative group. The results were that similar results were observed in CRSwNP and CRSsNP.

Outfracture of the inferior turbinates during superior repositioning Le Fort I osteotomy with cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of the volume of the nasal cavity

We have investigated the volumes of the nasal cavities of 35 patients treated with superior repositioning Le Fort I osteotomy by analysing cone-beam computed tomography (CT) data with a 3-dimensional reconstruction program to correlate changes in the volume of the nasal cavity that were associated with the maxillary superior repositioning and the role of outfracture of the inferior turbinates. The patients were treated at the Pusan National Dental Hospital during the 14-month period January 2011-March 2012.. The patients were divided into two groups, the first of which consisted of 20 patients who had superior repositioning of 4mm or more with a mean superior movement of 5.2mm and outfracture of the inferior turbinates (outfracture group). The second group consisted of 15 patients who also had more than 4mm impaction with a mean superior movement of 5.0mm and for whom outfracture was not done (no outfracture group). Nasal symptoms were investigated preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, and 3-dimensional volumetric analysis was made using cone-beam CT data to assess changes in nasal volume. There were significant differences between the groups in volumetric changes (V1-V2) (p=0.001) but no significant differences between the sexes. The volume of the nasal cavity in the outfracture group decreased by 20% after superior repositioning, but that in the no outfracture group decreased by 33%. Among the 20 patients in the outfracture group not one complained of nasal symptoms postoperatively. We conclude that outfracture of the inferior turbinates should be considered when the amount of superior movement of maxilla is more than 4mm.

Changes in 3D nasal cavity volume after biomimetic oral appliance therapy in adults

Objective: In this study, the authors investigated 3D changes in nasal volume, to test the hypothesis that nasal cavity volume can be changed in adults.Methods: After obtaining informed consent, the authors undertook 3D cone-beam computerized axial tomographic (CBCT) scans of 11 consecutive adults (mean age: 37.9 years), before and after biomimetic oral appliance therapy (BOAT). The mean treatment time was 18.462.5 months. Volumetric reconstruction of the nasal cavity was undertaken, and the nasal volume was calculated in all cases. The findings were subjected to statistical analysis, using paired t-tests.Results: The mean nasal cavity volume was 41.9612.0 cm3 before treatment. After BOAT, the mean volume increased to 44.0612.7 cm3 (P50.022).Conclusions: These data support the notion that nasal cavity volume can be changed in adults. Use of BOAT might improve continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance in adults diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), by increasing the nasal cavity volume and decreasing nasal airflow resistance.

The application of an ultrasonic bone aspirator for septoturbinoplasty.

The objectives of this study were to introduce the use of an ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA; SONOPET [Mutoh Co, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan]) for septoturbinoplasty and to evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of this surgical procedure. This was a retrospective chart review. This study was performed at a university medical center. Of the 53 patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty from July to October 2013, 30 were operated on using a UBA and were enrolled in this study. Patients were followed for more than 6 months after surgery. Patterns of septal deviation and surgical results and complications were investigated by paranasal sinus computed tomography scans, nasal endoscopy, and acoustic rhinometry. Improvement of symptoms was measured using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale. Patterns of bony septal deviation were classified as follows: localized septal bony spur or crest (n = 7), basal bony septal deviation (n = 9), posterior bony septal deviation (n = 8), bony spur with basal part deviation (n = 5), and basal and posterior bony septal deviation (n = 1).Twenty-six patients underwent septoplasty with bilateral inferior turbinate reduction surgery using either a microdebrider (n = 10) or a microdebrider with UBA (n = 16). Four patients underwent septoplasty with unilateral turbinate reduction surgery using a microdebrider and UBA. Based on nasal endoscopic findings after surgery, 24 patients had a straight septum, whereas 6 exhibited minimal remaining curvature. Subjective symptoms of nasal obstruction evaluated using the visual analog scale and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale were improved in all patients. Surgery using a UBA increased minimal cross-sectional area and nasal volume change in patients. There were no significant complications related to UBA use such as saddle nose, bleeding, or septal perforation. Application of a UBA for septo-turbinate surgery is an easy, safe, and effective method that reduces the occurrence of common complications, such as septal perforation, delayed healing, infection, and bleeding. In addition, the UBA produces minimal thermal and mechanical injury to surrounding tissue and enables precise and incremental bone removal with continuous irrigation and suction. This tool allows for easy sculpting and reduction of bony architecture of the nasal cavity.

Feasibility of septal body volume reduction for patients with nasal obstruction.

Septal body hypertrophy, like inferior turbinate hypertrophy, can result in changes to the nasal cross-sectional area and resistance to airflow. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of septal body volume reduction (SBVR) for the treatment of septal body hypertrophy in patients with nasal obstruction. Prospective randomized study. The study was conducted on two groups (51 patients) with symptoms and signs of nasal obstruction associated with septal body and inferior turbinate hypertrophy that were refractory to medical therapy. In the turbinoplasty only (ITR) group (n = 25), conventional turbinoplasty was only performed on the inferior turbinate. In the septal body reduction (SBR) group (n = 26), concurrent bilateral microdebrider-assisted SBVR was performed during the turbinate surgery. The nasal symptoms, including nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing, had significantly improved at 3 months after treatment in both groups (P < 0.001). Improvement of nasal obstruction in the SBR group was greater than that in the ITR group at 3 months (P < 0.05). Acoustic rhinometry demonstrated a significant increase in the cross-sectional area and nasal volume in both groups 3 months after surgery. The postoperative change in nasal volume was higher in the SBR group (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions such as bleeding, infection, adhesions, or olfactory changes were encountered in the SBR group. Combined SBVR and turbinoplasty appears to be more effective than turbinoplasty alone for the treatment of nasal obstruction in patients with inferior turbinate and septal body hypertrophy.

A novel wedge technique to correct the curved deviation of the cartilaginous nasal septum

To introduce a novel wedge technique in endonasal septoplasty to correct the curved deviation of the cartilaginous septum and describe the surgical procedure and results. A retrospective analysis was performed on 17 patients who had septoplasty using the wedge technique to correct the curved deviation of their cartilaginous septum. A 2-2.5-cm-long wedge made of either septal cartilage or ethmoid/vomer bone was inserted through an incision located 1.5-2 cm caudal to the bony-cartilaginous junction near the dorsum. Materials used for the wedge, objective evaluation of the surgical results, subjective symptom improvement and surgical complications were investigated. The degree of deviation was moderate to severe in all patients. Bony septum was used as the wedge material in 9 patients and septal cartilage in 8 patients. Among 17 patients, 15 had a completely straight septum while 2 had a minimal curvature remaining. Subjective symptoms of nasal obstruction evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale score and Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation scale improved in all patients. In acoustic rhinometry, minimal cross-sectional area and nasal volume change showed some improvement without statistical significance. There were no major complications including saddle nose and revision surgery. Our novel wedge technique can be an effective and safe technique to straighten the curved deviations of the cartilaginous septum in selected patients.

Nasal inspiratory flow: at rest and sniffing

This study quantifies the time-varying flow rate during inspiration at rest and in sniffing, both predecongestion and postdecongestion. It aims to provide a better understanding of nasal airflow mechanics, for application to the physiological modeling of nasal respiration and to therapeutic drug delivery. The temporal profiles of nasal inspiration were measured at high fidelity in 14 healthy individuals using simultaneous bilateral hot-wire anemometry. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) rate, acoustic rhinometry (AR), and the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT) provided complementary clinical measurements. The impact of decongestion was also investigated. In the initial phase of inspiration, a rapid rise in flow rate was observed. Flow first exceeded 150 mL/second in either passage within a median time of approximately 120 ms for inspiration at rest and approximately 60 ms in sniffing (∼20 ms in the fastest sniffs). The mean sustained flow rate attained and the overall period of each measured inspiratory profile were analyzed. AR showed a significant change in nasal volume with decongestion, although these change were not manifest in the temporal profiles of inspiratory flow (barring a weak effect associated with the most vigorous sniffs). Novel methods were applied to investigate the temporal profiles of nasal inspiration. Characteristic features of the profile were identified and found to be significantly different between inspiration at rest and sniffing. Decongestion was found to have little effect on the temporal profiles for the flow regimes studied.

Changes in nasal volume after surgically assisted bone-borne rapid maxillary expansion

The purposes of this study were to detect, locate, and examine the changes in transverse nasal width, area, and volume from bone-borne, surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) with the Dresden distractor by using computer tomography (CT). Sixteen patients (average age, 28.7 years) underwent axial CT scanning before and 6 months after SARME. They also underwent CT fusion on specific bony structures. The nasal bone width was examined in the coronal plane. The cross-sectional images of the nasal cavity were taken of the area surrounding the apertura piriformis, the choanae, and in between. We calculated cross-sectional areas and nasal volume according to these data. All but 2 patients had an increase in nasal volume of at least 5.1% (SD, 4.6%). The largest value of 35.3% (SD, 45.8%) was measured anteriorly on the nasal floor, decreasing cranially and posteriorly. This correlated with the V-shaped opening of the sutura palatina. There was no significant correlation between increase in nasal volume and transversal expansion. Because most of the air we breathe passes over the lower nasal floor, SARME is likely to improve nasal breathing.

A comparative analysis of intranasal volume and olfactory function using a three-dimensional reconstruction of paranasal sinus computed tomography, with a focus on the airway around the turbinates

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the intranasal airway around the turbinates and olfactory function. In total, 32 nostrils of 16 patients who were awaiting septal surgery were involved in this study. For measurements of the volume of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus computed tomography scans were performed and reconstructed into three-dimensional images. The Butanol Threshold Test and Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test were used to evaluate olfactory function. The results were analyzed with Pearson's test. The volume around the turbinates was significantly correlated with the olfactory threshold. However, olfactory identification had no significant correlation with each volume. The airway around the turbinates is very important for nasal airflow and its volume influences olfactory function. Understanding such relationships may help in preserving or improving olfactory function in septal, turbinate or sinus surgery. Further studies are needed regarding the relationships between not only the volume of the nasal cavity and nasal airflow, but also between nasal volume changes and olfactory function.

Leukotriene receptor antagonist in the treatment of childhood allergic rhinitis—a randomized placebo‐controlled study

This study was designed to assess the hypothesis that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) would provide additional symptom relief in asthmatic children with persistent AR already taking regular antihistamine. The effects of 16-week treatment of LTRA in addition to fexofenadine (FEX) on persistent AR in asthmatic children were examined. Consecutive children with stable asthma and persistent AR were invited in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. After a 2-week run-in period in which subjects were given FEX alone, they were randomly assigned to take LTRA or placebo in addition to FEX for 16 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of follow-up phase with FEX taken alone. Symptom scoring, rhinoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, spirometry, nasal secretion extraction and blood taking for IL-4 and IL-13 analysis were performed after a 2-week run-in and at the end of treatment. Forty-four subjects with a median (IQR) age of 12.2 (10.1-14.1) years were recruited. At week 4 of treatment, the between-group differences in the mean changes of daytime sneezing score (mean difference (95% CI) = -0.35 (-0.59, -0.12), P = 0.004), nighttime sneezing score (mean difference (95% CI) = -0.37 (-0.62, -0.11), P = 0.007) and daytime composite score (mean difference (95% CI) = -1.08 (-1.92, -0.25), P = 0.013) were significant. Acoustic rhinometry also demonstrated a nearly significant difference in nasal volume change between groups at 16 weeks of treatment (mean difference (95% CI) = 0.572 (0.090-1.054), P = 0.021). IL-4 and IL-13 were not detected in the majority of nasal secretion or serum samples. Additional LTRA provided a more rapid relief on sneezing at the 4-week time point. This combination therapy also maintained a greater nasal volume and this might translate to lesser nasal congestion.

Rapid Palatal Expansion Effects on Nasal Airway Dimensions as Measured by Acoustic Rhinometry

To evaluate available information on the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on nasal airway minimal cross-sectional area and volume, as measured by acoustic rhinometry. An electronic database search was conducted. Based on abstracts/titles, articles were initially selected; then full articles were retrieved and were further sorted according to secondary, more stringent criteria. References from selected articles were hand-searched for potential missed publications. Clinical trials using acoustic rhinometry on subjects undergoing rapid maxillary expansion therapy were included. Syndromic or medically compromised patients and absence of an untreated control group were reasons for exclusion. Selected studies thereafter were evaluated methodologically. Only four articles reached final selection, and their overall methodology scores were low, limiting the applicability of results. After rapid maxillary expansion, three of four studies found statistically significant increases in minimal cross-sectional area, and two of three studies reported statistically significant increases in nasal cavity volume as compared with control groups. It appears that any increase is less stable if a traditional technique is used on patients who have passed their peak growth spurt. Although some increases in nasal dimensions have been reported, the changes in nasal volume were small and should not be presented to patients as a clinically significant indication for therapeutic maxillary expansion.

Stereolithographic Volume Evaluation of Healing and Shaping After Rhinoplasty Operations

Nasal edema and volume changes are unavoidable processes during the healing period after rhinoplasty. Various applications were reported regarding the prevention of early edema; however, the literature shows no study focused on the course of the nasal edema and volume changes up-to-date. We aimed to study the nasal volume changes during the first year of postoperative healing period and to form a recovery and volume change diagram with the obtained data. We prepared standard frames and nasal molds of 7 rhinoplasty patients at regular time intervals (preoperative period and at the postoperative 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 52nd weeks). Plaster nasal models were created by using these molds. Volumes of models were measured by computed tomographic scanning and three-dimensional image processing programs. According to our results, the nasal edema reaches its maximum level at the postoperative fourth week and then rapidly decreases until its minimum level at the eighth week. In contrast with the general opinion, the nasal volume begins to increase smoothly reaching to a level minimally below the preoperative value by the end of the first year.

CT Analysis of Nasal Volume Changes after Surgically-assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion

Aim of this study was to detect the changes in nasal volume due to bone-borne, surgically-assisted rapid palatal expansion (RPE) with the Dresden Distractor using computed tomography (CT). 17 patients (mean age 28.8) underwent axial CT scanning before and 6 months after RPE. The nasal bone width was examined in the coronal plane. Cross-sectional images of the nasal cavity were taken of the area surrounding the piriform aperture, choanae and in between. Bony nasal volume was computed by connecting the three cross-sectional areas. All but two patients showed a 4.8% increase in nasal volume (SD 4.6%). The highest value, 33.3% (SD 45.1%), was measured anteriorly at the level of the nasal floor. This correlated with the midpalatal suture's V-shaped opening. There was no significant correlation between an increase in nasal volume and transverse dental arch expansion. As most of the air we breathe passes the lower nasal floor, an improvement in nasal breathing is likely.

Acute Effect of Glucan-Spiked Office Dust on Nasal and Pulmonary Inflammation in Guinea Pigs

The acute effects of pure inhaled glucan on respiratory inflammation remain inconclusive and not sufficiently examined with regards to the simultaneous interaction of glucan, endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), and house dust in airway inflammation. This study aims at determining effects of simultaneous exposure to office dust and glucan on nasal and pulmonary inflammation. This is relevant for humans with occupational exposure in waste handling and farming and buildings with mold problems. Office dust collected from Danish offices was spiked with 1% (1–3)-β-glucan (curdlan). Guinea pig nasal cavity volume was measured by acoustic rhinometry (AR) and animals were exposed by inhalation for 4 h to curdlan-spiked dust, unspiked dust, purified air (negative controls), or LPS (positive controls). After exposure (+5 h) or the following day (+18 h), measurements were repeated by AR and followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Total and differential cell counts, interleukin (IL)-8 in BAL fluid, and change in nasal volume were compared between groups. A 5–10% increase in nasal volume was seen for all groups including clean air except for a significant 5% decrease for spiked-dust inhalation (+18 h). No marked differences were observed in BAL cells or IL-8 except in LPS-exposed controls. The delayed decrease of nasal cavity volume after exposure to glucan spiked dust suggests a slow effect on the upper airways for curdlan and office dust together, though no pulmonary response or direct signs of inflammation were observed. Glucan-spiked office dust exposures produced a delayed nasal subacute congestion in guinea pigs compared to office dust alone, but extrapolated to nasal congestion in humans, paralleling the nasal congestion seen in human volunteers exposed to the same dust, this may not have clinical importance.

Comparison of nasal volume changes during rapid maxillary expansion using acoustic rhinometry and computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to compare nasal volume changes using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and computed tomography (CT). The subjects were 10 children (6 girls and 4 boys, with an age range of 12-14 years) who required rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the basis of their individual malocclusion. All patients were found to have normal nasal cavities following anterior rhinoscopic examination. AR and CT were undertaken at the start of treatment (t(1)) and 6 months after expansion (t(2)). Volume changes due to expansion were evaluated using Wilcoxon's test, and the correlation between the two methods was assessed with correlation analyses. Both methods demonstrated that nasal volume significantly increased following the use of RME (P<0.05). Correlation analyses showed no difference in volume (P>0.05) using either of the two methods.