Assessment of nasal volume and cross-sectional area by acoustic rhinometry in a sample of normal adult Iranians.

Assessment of nasal airway is helpful in understanding nasal breathing function. Acoustic rhinometry is one of the most commonly-used objective measurements of nasal airway. This test has the ability to measure the volume and the cross-sectional area of the nose in different distances. It also determines the site of minimal cross-sectional area. These variables are different in various races. Defining these normal values in adult Iranian population, as a criterion for diagnosis and treatment of nasal diseases can be very helpful.One hundred eighty adult Iranians (18 - 60 years old) without nasal breathing complaints underwent acoustic rhinometry. The mean volume and minimal cross-sectional area of the nose and also correlation of these variables with age, sex, height, weight, smoking habit, and topical nasal decongestion were assessed. In this sample, total nasal volume was 8.12+/-0.94 cm³ and total minimal cross-sectional area was 0.9+/-0.17 cm² before decongestion. There was no correlation between these values and age, sex, height, weight, and smoking habit. There was a significant increase in volume and cross-sectional area after decongestion. Because of the differences in volume and minimal cross-sectional area in various races, measurement of these values in Iranian population is a proper way for diagnosis of rhinologic diseases and planning the appropriate treatment (medical or surgical). It is also helpful for comparison of preoperative and postoperative results after nasal surgeries.