Measurement of nasal geometry by acoustic rhinometry in normal-breathing Asian children

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to obtain normal values of nasal geometry in Asian children with no nasal problems using the acoustic rhinometry method. Method: Acoustic rhinometric measurement of the nasal fossae was performed in pediatric patients coming for general surgical operations with no nasal problem. Results: A cohort study of 183 children in an acute care hospital with full elective and emergency surgical services was undertaken. The mean minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), which was functionally important for nasal breathing, was found to be 0.32 cm 2 (SD = 0.13) and situated at 1.40 cm (SD = 0.26) from the anterior nare. Normal values for area, length, and volume of the nose in these children as a group and at different ages from 1 to 11 years old were obtained. Conclusions: Acoustic rhinometry was found to be well tolerated by the children. The MCA was confirmed to be situated at the anterior part of the nose and had a positive correlation with an increase in age.