[A computer-assisted system for diagnosing rhinologic function].

We describe the new computerized rhinologic diagnostic system "CARIMA", a software-controlled system based on a measuring head and a PC. The currently available software allows active anterior rhinomanometry to be carried out with a special program for the nasal allergen test, as well as active posterior rhinomanometry and the determination of the laryngotracheal resistance in patients with an open tracheostoma. The measurement procedure is controlled by the patient by watching the screen during data collecting. The breaths are averaged after curve correction by splining, introducing a time-referred system into the computerized rhinomanometry. The advantage of the method is a detailed analysis of the increasing and decreasing part of the inspiratory and exspiratory half-wave, allowing clinical conclusions to be made about the nasal valve.