Active anterior rhinomanometry analysis in normal adult Malays.

ABSTRACT

The differences in facial anatomical structures of the major ethnic groups, may also be reflected in nasal resistance. Active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) is the recommended technique for the objective assessment of nasal airway resistance (NAR). This study comprised of 85 adult Malay subjects. All the subjects had to undergo a primary assessment of relevant symptoms of nasal disease and nasal examination before undergoing AAR assessment. The mean value of total nasal airway resistance (NAR) was 0.19 Pa/cm(3)/s (ranged from 0.09 to 0.55 Pa/cm(3)/s) at 75 Pa pressure point and 0.24 Pa/cm(3)/s (ranged from 0.12 to 0.52 Pa/cm(3)/s) at 150 Pa pressure point. The mean unilateral NAR was 0.46 Pa/cm(3)/s at a reference pressure of 75 Pa and 0.51 Pa/cm(3)/s at a reference pressure of 150 Pa. In this study we presented normal values for NAR in healthy Malay adult subjects. AAR proves to be a valuable clinical method for recording and quantitating nasal resistance.