The Effect of Vibrissae on Subjective and Objective Measures of Nasal Obstruction

Abstract

Objectives:

(1) Recognize the impact of nasal vibrissae on subjective and objective measures of nasal obstruction. (2) Apply presented data to make informed recommendations to patients regarding vibrissae reduction as an adjunct or alternative to other treatments for nasal obstruction.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 30 healthy participants without nasal symptoms were assessed for baseline vibrissae concentration and treated with a topical decongestant. Subjects were then asked to subjectively assess nasal breathing using the NOSE instrument prior to undergoing rhinomanometry. Nasal vibrissae were then trimmed, and participants repeated the subjective and objective assessments. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes including NOSE values, airflow, and resistance were compared using statistical analysis.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement was noted in subjects’ NOSE assessment of nasal obstruction (80% average improvement, P < .001) and 2 of 4 questionnaire outcomes (P = .016, .083, P = .031, and P = .25). Statistically significant improvements occurred in objective measurement of inspiratory: flow (P = .009); effective total resistance (P = .003); and average vertex (maximum) resistance (P = .029). Patients with moderate or severe vibrissae at baseline were noted to have more improvement in subjective and objective obstruction assessments than patients rated mild.

Conclusions:

In these 30 subjects, strong statistically significant improvement occurred in both subjective and objective assessments of nasal obstruction, particularly in patients with more dense vibrissae. These data suggest consideration of reduction of vibrissae density in patients complaining of nasal obstruction. Furthermore, the role of nasal vibrissae should be considered in any study examining the impact of medical or surgical interventions on nasal obstruction.