[Evaluation of nasal patency in patients with vasomotor rhinitis].

Objective: To measure the nasal patency in patients with vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) and healthy controls and to assess its correlation with visual analogue scale (VAS).

Methods: A total of 105 patients with VMR and 71 healthy controls were included in this study. By using nasal rhinomanometry, the pressure-flow curve and got total nasal resistances of 75 Pa and 150 Pa were measured. By means of acoustic rhinometry, the area-distance curve before and after using nasal vasoconstrictor substance was obtained, got the nasal minimum cross-sectional area (MCA), then calculated nasal congestion index (NCI). The outcomes of nasal resistance and acoustic rhinometry in two groups were compared. The correlation between VAS and nasal patency of VMR was evaluated.

Results: The correlation between the outcomes with nasal resistance and acoustic rhinometry and VAS of nasal symptom showed no statistical significance in VMR patients (all P > 0.05). MCA before and after decongestion showed no difference (Z value were -1.541 and -0.626, each P > 0.05), NCI had statistic differences in two groups (Z = -2.707, P < 0.05). Nasal resistance of 75 Pa had statistic differences in two groups (Z = -4.334, P < 0.05), 150 Pa showed no difference (Z = -1.314, P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Vasomotor rhinitis is one of the most common non-allergic rhinitis. Subjective symptoms has no correlation with objective nasal patency tests. In clinical practice, comprehensive evaluation of subjective symptoms and objective test results of the patient is required.