Rhinomanometry 1988: practice and trends.

This report discusses characteristics and measurement of transnasal pressures and flow of respiratory air, indices of nasal airway patency, and components of contemporary rhinomanometric systems. Sources of error that can result from mucovascular fluctuation and from the use of face masks and nasal nozzles are delineated. Useful adjuncts to rhinomanometry include microcomputation and plethysmography. State-of-the-art transducers and microcircuitry and reliability and economy. Aerodynamic parameters closely correlated with chronic obstructive nasal symptoms have yet to be determined. Nevertheless, resistance calculated from concomitant measurements of transnasal pressure and flow, as recommended by the International Committee on Standardization of Rhinomanometry, provides a practical index of nasal patency and aids the exchange of rhinological information.