Current advances in rhinomanometry were reviewed in this paper. Active posterior rhinomanometry with a "head-out" body plethysmography may be the least invasive method currently available for measuring nasal patency. In general, active anterior rhinomanometry with a face mask or a nasal nozzle has been employed in various studies throughout the world. Nasal resistance as calculated from the equation R = 0.78 (delta P/V)1.33 at any points on a pressure/flow curve, or averaged nasal resistance may be the most suitable expression for nasal patency. Values for nasal resistance at delta P 100 Pa in Japanese patients or delta P 150 Pa in Caucasians have been widely employed as standard objective data for nasal obstruction, although rhinomanometric results sometimes do not agree with subjective evaluation of nasal obstruction. Nasal airflow acceleration or peak flow index during nasal breathing at rest can be applied as warranted to confirm an objective diagnosis of symptomatic nasal obstruction. Further, nationality and anthropological characteristics can be related to the severity and type of stuffiness.

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In an attempt to determine the influence of the turbinate mucosa on nasal airflow resistance, we measured the nasal resistances in seven patients who had no lateral walls on one side of their nasal cavities because of unilateral operative removal of maxillary tumors. We compared resistances on the operated side with the normal unoperated side. No significant differences were found either on inspiration or expiration. Additionally, no significant influence of the turbinate mucosa on nasal airflow resistance was detected in sitting subjects.

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