Normative standards for nasal cross-sectional areas by race as measured by acoustic rhinometry

Abstract

Acoustic rhinometry evaluates the geometry of the nasal cavity with acoustic reflections and provides information about nasal cross-sectional area and nasal volume within a given distance. Variations in internal nasal diameters have attracted increased interest since the advent of endoscopic surgical techniques. Race is known to be one of the most important factors affecting the nasal structure. In this study, we evaluated 106 healthy adult volunteers with acoustic rhinometry to determine internal nasal diameters and volumes and obtained normative data for four racial/ethnic groups. The data were analyzed with regard to race, sex, height, and weight. All measurements were made before and after the application of a topical nasal decongestant so that the effects of the nasal cycle were eliminated by decongestion.