[The effect of a histamine nasal provocation tests on the results of the tubal compliance manometry test (TCM) in normal study subjects].

The Tubal-compliance-manometric test (TCM) assesses the passive and active tubal opening as well as the equilibration ability. The pressures necessary to open the eustachian tube (ET) are measured while performing the Valsalva maneuver and during swallowing (if needed with added pressure). The equilibration ability is also checked. Subjects with normal tympanometry were twice tested, at an interval of 1 to 2 weeks; 52 ETs (in 28 persons) entered the study. According to a variance analysis (ANOVA), there was no significant difference (alpha = 5%) between the two measurements (the results were time-independent). The mean opening pressures were 610 daPa (SD = 108) during the Valsalva maneuver and 97 daPa (SD = 40) during the swallow test. Nearly 14% of the tubes were considered floppy (unable to maintain a positive pressure). In order to study the influence of mucosal swelling on tubal function, 9 subjects (18 tubes) underwent a TCM before and after a nasal histamine provocation. The opening pressures in both tests were significantly altered (higher) after the provocation (ANOVA; 0.001 less than p less than 0.01). One tube became obstructed and two became floppy. The equilibration ability was not altered. The TCM proved to be of value as an easy, fast and quantitative test for assessing active and passive tubal function.