Prediction of nasal obstruction based on clinical examination and acoustic rhinometry.

The aim of this study was to find variables which characterize nasal obstruction. Scores from the clinical history, anterior rhinoscopy and objective values from acoustic rhinometry were found of importance. In a randomly-selected adult population of 230 individuals, 14% had the subjective feeling of nasal obstruction. The variables of significant value to predict nasal obstruction were: (1) symptoms of hypersensitivity/allergy and infection; (2) anterior septal deviations; and (3) small anterior dimensions of the nasal cavity. A minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) equal to 0.50 cm2, a cross-sectional area at the piriform aperture of 0.70 cm2 and a large effect of decongestion at MCA were found to be the best variables to separate obstructed from normal noses. Also, differences between each side of the nose were found of predictive value. In conclusion, a nose at risk for nasal obstruction is one with symptoms of allergy, frequent infections, small dimensions anteriorly, large difference between both sides, and a large degree of swelling of the mucosa.