Nasal resistance in Japanese elementary schoolchildren: determination of normal value.

ABSTRACT

CONCLUSION: Rhinomanometry is a useful method for evaluating nasal airway patency in schoolchildren, and we could confirm the validity of the results it produces. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the validity nasal resistance measurements produced using anterior active rhinomanometry by comparing the results with those of our previous study and to determine a normal value of the nasal resistance. METHODS: Nasal resistance was measured by rhinomanometry in 852 children using the active anterior method. RESULTS: Mean nasal resistance was 0.45 ± 0.70 Pa/cm(3)/s. Nasal diseases were noted in 358 (42%) children, and nasal condition was normal (the normal group) in 494 (58%) children. Nasal resistance was 0.57 ± 1.05 Pa/cm(3)/s in the nasal disease group and 0.35 ± 0.16 Pa/cm(3)/s in the normal group, showing that resistance was significantly higher in the nasal disease group. In the normal nasal groups, nasal resistance tended to be lower in the children in higher grades (first grade, 0.44 ± 0.17 Pa/cm(3)/s; second grade, 0.37 ± 0.11 Pa/cm(3)/s; third grade, 0.36 ± 0.23 Pa/cm(3)/s; fourth grade, 0.36 ± 0.14 Pa/cm(3)/s; fifth grade, 0.30 ± 0.08 Pa/cm(3)/s; sixth grade, 0.29 ± 0.11 Pa/cm(3)/s), and taller groups (<120 cm, 0.43 ± 0.16 Pa/cm(3)/s; 120-130 cm, 0.37 ± 0.19 Pa/cm(3)/s; 130-140 cm, 0.34 ± 0.12 Pa/cm(3)/s; >140 cm, 0.28 ± 0.09 Pa/cm(3)/s). Results similar to those seen in our previous study were obtained in each group.