ACOUSTIC RHINOMETRY STUDY IN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS.

Abstract

Acoustic rhinometry is a non-invasive technique that requires minimal cooperation from patients compared to other diagnostic methods. This technique can be used even in children under 3 years of age, which makes it widely applicable in the practice of rhinologists. The aim of this research was to study nasal patency and nasal volume in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) and intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) using acoustic rhinometry and to compare the degree of swelling of the nasal mucosa in patients with different forms of the disease. The study was conducted on the territory of the University Hospital "Prof. Dr. St. Kirkovich" (Stara Zagora, Bulgaria), where 139 participants (111 with allergic rhinosinusitis [AR] and 28 controls), aged 19 to 84 years, were examined. To compare the results, an acoustic rhinometry study was performed on the participants and the control group. The main indicators considered were the volume of the nasal cavity, the minimum cross-section area of the left and right halves, as well as the distance from the nasal entrance where it is located. To check the reactivity of the nasal mucosa, the same test was repeated after using a nasal decongestant. Increased nasal mucosal swelling in patients with IAR than those with PAR has been found. More manifested nasal congestion is observed in patients with IAR, probably because pollen has a stronger immunological stimulus and causes more manifested expression of symptoms than allergens provoking year-round forms of AR. A severely reduced reactive response to nasal decongestants has been demonstrated in participants with persistent AR.