The aim: To study the impact of the internal nasal valve shape on respiratory and olfactory nose function as well as on quality of life. Materials and methods: The study involved 17 volunteers who noted satisfaction of nasal breathing in the absence of changes during endorhinoscopy. The study was con¬ducted in two stages: stage 1 involved assessing initial indicators of quality of life by the SNOT-22 questionnaire, performing active anterior rhinomanometry, and estimating the olfactory function (Sniffin’ Sticks); stage 2 consisted in re-assessing the mentioned indicators after changing the shape and lumen of the internal nasal valve. The sodium alginate self-hardening gel was used for simulating the narrowing of the nasal valve. It was applied to the mucous in the upper part of the nasal valve area, obturating the diffuser above the level of attachment of the middle nasal turbinate to a depth of 3-4 mm from nasal vestibule. Results: Air resistance did not change significantly after partial blockage of the internal nasal valve, although, 16 out of 17 patients showed signs of hyposmia with an average Sniffin’ Sticks test score 8.68 ± 0.15. Conclusions: The simulated partial blockage of the internal nasal valve lumen in its upper part in the area of the diffuser does not significantly affect the resistance of the air passing through the nasal passages, but the olfactory function is impaired, which is reflected the quality of life.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.