OBJECTIVETo obtain the normal values of four-phase rhinomanometry specific parameters of normal adult Chinese and analyze the correlation between four-phase rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry measurement results.

METHODSEighty-five normal adults were recruited. The HRR2 four-phase rhinomanometry was used to acquire the effective resistances in inspiration, expiration and total breathing process (Reffin, Reffex, Refft) and vertex resistance in the process of inspiration and expiration (Vrin and Vrex). The Eccovision acoustic rhinometry was used to measure the minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) and the nasal volume of 0-5 cm nasal cavity (V5).

RESULTSReffin (x(-) +/- s) was (1.28 +/- 1.02) Pa/(cm(3).s) for male, (1.55 +/- 1.03) Pa/(cm(3).s) for female; Reflex (x(-) +/- s) was (1.43 +/- 1.07) Pa/(cm(3).s) for male, (1.75 +/- 1.14) Pa/(cm(3).s) for female; Refft (x(-) +/- s) was (1.34 +/- 0.99) Pa/(cm(3).s) for male, (1.62 +/- 1.03) Pa/(cm(3).s) for female; Vrin (x(-) +/- s) was (1.31 +/- 1.03) Pa/(cm(3).s) for male; (1.60 +/- 1.03) Pa/(cm(3).s) for female, Vrex (x(-) +/- s) was (1.46 +/- 1.04) Pa/(cm(3).s) for male, (1.82 +/- 1.17) Pa/(cm(3).s) for female. No statistically significant difference was found between men and women (r = 0.661, -0.397, 0.127, 0.649, -0.684, P > 0.05, respectively). There was no significant correlation between Reffin, Reflex, Refft, Vrin, Vrex and age, height, weight, head circumference, body surface area, body mass index (P > 0.05, respectively). However, there was significant correlation between Reffin, Reflex, Refft, Vrin, Vrex and MCA, V5 (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONSThe results of four-phase rhinomanometry show significant correlation to acoustic rhinometry.