The normal ranges of selected acoustic rhinometry parameters depending on age and sex-component of standarization in nasal provocation test

INTRODUCTION: Acoustic rhinometry is a non-invasive method of measuring intranasal spaces. As one of the objective techniques for nasal patency, it plays a critical role in evaluating the nasal allergen challenge. Aim: To establish the typical ranges of selected AR parameters for age and sex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 583 randomly selected subjects (329 females and 254 males). Acoustic rhinometry was done before and 15 min after a two-time application of 0.1% solution of the decongestant xylomethazoline. The evaluated AR parameters (the cross-sectional area 1 (CSA-1) at the level of the isthmus nasi and the distance between the external nares and the isthmus nasi (dCSA-1)) were measured separately for both nasal cavities. Another evaluated parameter was the mean CSA measured 3 cm beyond CSA-1 on the AR curve (CSA-3). RESULTS: The site of the minimum CSA on the acoustic rhinometry curve in the study group was the second notch on the acoustic rhinometry curve (CSA-1), corresponding to the nasal isthmus. With increasing age of the subjects, we observed a systematic increase in nasal spaces. The difference between sexes reached statistical significance at the ages of 17 years and older. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated males show larger nasal cavity volumes than females. The difference between the sexes reaches statistical significance at older ages.