Normal aging does not deteriorate nose-related quality of life: assessment with "NOSE" and "SNOT-20" questionnaires.

OBJECTIVE

Aging causes changes in nasal morphology and function. This study assesses if the age-related nasal changes are detectable with objective measurements and reflected in two validated quality of life outcome tools: the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE) and the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) questionnaires.

METHODS

Two study groups were included: the "young" group A (n=40) with a mean age of 27 years and the "elder" group B (n=40) with a mean age of 70 years. The subjective nasal complaints and quality of life status were recorded by means of the NOSE and SNOT-20 questionnaires. Objective assessment of intranasal dimensions and nasal airflow in all subjects were performed with the use of acoustic rhinometry and active anterior rhinomanometry respectively.

RESULTS

The values obtained from acoustic rhinometry were significantly higher in the older group compared to the younger, presenting wider nasal airway passages for the elderly. However this was not the case with rhinomanometry values as no significant differences between groups were found. In addition no statistically significant difference was demonstrated in both questionnaires scoring between younger and older subjects.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the NOSE and SNOT questionnaires show no deterioration of quality of life in elderly related with changes in nasal function. Acoustic rhinometry confirmed that nasal cavities are becoming larger across the lifespan.