Nasal breathing function diagnostics

A thorough diagnosis of the nose is a prerequisite for targeted and effective treatment. The first step is to assess the internal nasal anatomy (anterior rhinoscopy). A nasal endoscopy is then performed. After the swelling of the nose has subsided, the posterior areas inside the nose also become visible. This can be used, for example, to assess a posterior curvature of the nasal septum (deviated septum) or an inflammatory swelling in the area of the outlet of the paranasal sinuses (middle nasal passage).

Extended diagnostics include functional diagnostics of the nose. It makes it possible to reproducibly and objectively differentiate between flow resistance and various causes of nasal obstruction. We use the scientifically proven measuring systems and evaluation software according to Prof. G. Mlynski.

Rhinoresistometry
In rhinoresistometry, the nasal obstruction is precisely measured and quantified. In a harmless examination, the patient breathes into a breathing mask. Based on the measurement results, the doctor can differentiate precisely between the various types of nasal obstruction: Swelling of the mucous membrane of the turbinates must be treated differently to bony changes caused by congenital, anatomical curvatures. Functional disorders of the soft tissues (retraction of the nostrils during inhalation) also require completely different treatment management and must be carefully differentiated from other causes of nasal breathing restriction.

Acoustic rhinometry
In acoustic rhinometry, an ultrasound signal is applied to the nasal entrance using a small tube. The sound signal is reflected and measured again. Just as with a deep measurement in the water using an echo sounder, the cross-sectional area can be displayed at the depth of the nose. This gives the examiner an important indication of the distance from the nasal entrance at which constrictions are present inside the nose. Using standard values, it is possible to determine whether a relevant cross-sectional constriction is present and at which point this cross-sectional constriction is blocking nasal breathing.