Variability in nasal resistance measurements.
By means of computer-aided posterior rhinometry, nasal airflow resistance was measured in subjects with normal and abnormal noses. Variations were less than obtained by other methods. Subjects were exposed to several common stimuli which have been reported to induce nasal mucosal changes: exercise, mechanical irritation, air pollutants, and climatic extremes. Any resistive effects were of short duration in that they could no be detected 30 minutes after exposure, but a commonly used decongestant reduced nasal resistance for several hours. Computer-aided rhinometry provides a basal level of nasal patency. Its clinical usefulness, now being tested, will be reported later.