Summary:
The authors analyze a group of 150 patients examined by rhinomanometry (RMM) at
the University Hospital ENT Clinic, Hradec Králové. Rhinomanometry is defined as a method of
objective quantitative evaluation of nasal flow. The technique used was anterior active contralateral
rhinomanometry with a Rhinomanometer 200 Atmos. Rhinomanometry is rated as an additional
functional investigation method for the assessment of any morphological pathology of the nasal
cavity, including the nasal vestibulum and nasopharynx. Another indication includes evaluation of
temporal changes of nasal patency (e.g. pre- and postoperative conditions), it is also useful in case
of medicolegal problems. The rhinomanometric curve, which is the result of the investigation,
indicates the dependence of nasal flow on the differential pressure between the nasal vestibulum
a nasopharynx. The clinical interpretation of the rhinomanometry is discussed. The benefit of the
investigation is proportionate not only to the accuracy of the measurement but also to the correct interpretation of the results. There remains the problem of wide dispersion of the results and
frequent controversy between the subjective and objective evaluation of nasal flow.
Key words:
rhinomanometry, nasal flow.
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