Pediatric nasal resistance.

Rhinometry has provided a quantitative and objective means of assessing nasal airway patency. Previous investigators have established normal nasal resistances for adults and newborn infants. Less material and no such normal references are available for the pediatric ages. In this study, nasal airway resistance is assessed by anterior rhinometric technique in 498 children ranging from four to 16 years of age. Collected nasal resistance data are found to vary inversely with age and fall in an almost linear fashion between already established normals of infancy and adulthood. As far as we can determine, pediatric age specific nasal resistance data with calculated standard deviations and 95% confidence levels have not been previously reported. Such data provides initial age specific reference points enabling the rhinologist to more objectively evaluate concerns regarding nasal obstructive problems in children.