Objectivation of nasal swelling -: a comparison of four methods

Background: The measurement of the nasal swelling is very common in rhinologic diagnostics. For that, there are different methods available. Especially the nasal provocation test is important in this relationship. The measurement of the obstruction, caused by swelling of the nasal erectile tissue, allows a quantification of the allergic reaction. Method: We tested four different methods for objectivation of the mucosal swelling, which are used in the routine clinical examination: 1. acoustic rhinometry, 2. rhinoresistometry, 3. expiratory peak-flow-metry and 4. rhinomanometry. 40 volunteers were examined with the four methods before and after decongestion of the nose. We compared the results of each method (1. -3.) with the results obtained by rhinomanometry. Results: We found only a good correlation between rhinomanometry and rhinoresistometry. Both methods seem to be suited for the objectivation of nasal swelling.