The Use of Acoustic Rhinometry to Quantitatively Assess Changes after Intranasal Allergen Challenge

American Journal of Rhinology, 1994

Authors: V. W. S. Lai, J. P. Corey

Conclusion: “Acoustic Rhinometry is a reliable technique for assessing the results of nasal provocation. This is a simple test to perform and is a good objective evaluation of the degree of nasal patency. Results are obtained quickly and consistently and are highly reproducible with negligible inter-examiner variation. Because it represents the cross-sectional area of the nasal cavity as a function of distance from the nares, it offers a quantitative assessment of physiological changes in the nasal mucosa. Subjective assessments of the outcome of NP such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, and stuffiness are less reliable; even our patient who had negative mRAST and negative response on NP experienced some subjective symptoms. These subjective symptoms may be attributable to local irritation.”

“Standardization is required for nasal provocation tests with the emphasis on quantitative and objective measurements. Only with standardized technique can the role of NP be more prominent in clinical and research arenas.”