Nasal airflow and resistance measured by active anterior rhinomanometry in healthy children and adolescents

Rhinomanometry allows objective assessment of nasal patency in pediatric patients with nasal and other respiratory problems. However, no reliable reference values are available in the pediatric age group. We measured nasal inspiratory airflow and nasal inspiratory resistance of the right and left nostrils (V'nar, Vnal, Rnar, and Rnal) and total nasal inspiratory flow and resistance (V'na and Rna) at a transnasal pressure of 150 Pa during quiet breathing in healthy children with a closed mouth by using active anterior rhinomanometry. Cross-sectional measurements were done in 192 healthy Caucasian children and adolescents free of nasal or other respiratory diseases (age, 2-19 years; body height, 94-190 cm; 95 boys and 97 girls). The values of V'na, V'nar, and Vnal increased significantly with an increase of body height or age (P<0.0001). Rna, Rnar, and Rnal significantly decreased with an increase of body height and age (P<0.0001). No significant statistical differences were found between boys and girls (P=0.11) or between right and left nostrils (P=0.07). V'nar and Rnar comprised 50.1%, and V'nal and Rnal 49.9%, of total V'na and Rna, respectively. Best-fit regression equations relating rhinomanometric parameters and body height or age were power functions. We obtained reference regression equations with upper and lower limits, and prepared tables listing reference (normal) values of rhinomanometric parameters in healthy pediatric Caucasian patients, against which patients with nasal obstruction can be compared. Pediatr Pulmonol. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss,Inc.