Visual analog scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction in persistent allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE: Nasal airflow resistance, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, rhinomanometry is scarcely available. The aim of this study was to verify the suitability of the use of visual analog scales (VAS) as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in quantifying nasal obstruction in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study on patients with allergic rhinitis. SETTING: ENT clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients (27 males, mean age 23 years, SD 2.24) were studied. VAS for nasal obstruction and other AR symptoms and rhinomanometry were performed in all patients. RESULTS: A significant, very strong correlation has been observed between VAS for nasal obstruction and nasal airflow resistance (Spearman r = 0.879, P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant correlation exists between VAS for rhinorrhea and resistance (Spearman r = 0.313, P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The use of VAS for assessing the nasal obstruction appears clinically relevant in that it allows, with good reliability, the quantification of this symptom in the absence of rhinomanometry. (C) 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.