Effects of temperature changes on nasal patency

Yogeetha R, Raman R, Quek KF
Correspondence: Prof Raman Rajagopalan, ramanr_99@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Introduction This study aims to assess the difference in nasal patency and resistance to temperature changes objectively and subjectively.
Methods This cross-sectional study involved 50 subjects without nasal obstruction. All these subjects were given a questionnaire to determine nasal obstruction subjectively on a visual analogue scale. Acoustic rhinometry was performed in all these subjects for objective measurement of nasal obstruction. The study was conducted in two separate rooms in the departmental laboratory where the temperatures were maintained at 30-33 degrees Celsius and an air-conditioned room at 18-22 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Results The objective measurement to two different temperature exposures showed differences in nasal patency and resistance. There was an increase in nasal resistance and a decrease in nasal patency to air-conditioned air compared to room temperature air. Subjective assessment also showed significant correlation to the two temperature exposures. However, independent sample test only showed significant difference in the subjective questionnaire (p-value equals 0.001). Objective acoustic rhinometry did not show significant difference.
Conclusion There is no significant difference in objective acoustic rhinometry with regard to nasal resistance and patency with environmental temperature changes in the tropics.

Keywords: acoustic rhinometry, nasal obstruction, nasal patency, temperature changes
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(4): 304–306