Impact of the Nasal Valve Shape on the Olfactory Function and Subjective Perception of the Nasal Breathing

Abstract

The aim: To study the impact of the internal nasal valve shape on respiratory and olfactory nose function as well as on quality of life. Materials and methods: The study involved 17 volunteers who noted satisfaction of nasal breathing in the absence of changes during endorhinoscopy. The study was con¬ducted in two stages: stage 1 involved assessing initial indicators of quality of life by the SNOT-22 questionnaire, performing active anterior rhinomanometry, and estimating the olfactory function (Sniffin’ Sticks); stage 2 consisted in re-assessing the mentioned indicators after changing the shape and lumen of the internal nasal valve. The sodium alginate self-hardening gel was used for simulating the narrowing of the nasal valve. It was applied to the mucous in the upper part of the nasal valve area, obturating the diffuser above the level of attachment of the middle nasal turbinate to a depth of 3-4 mm from nasal vestibule. Results: Air resistance did not change significantly after partial blockage of the internal nasal valve, although, 16 out of 17 patients showed signs of hyposmia with an average Sniffin’ Sticks test score 8.68 ± 0.15. Conclusions: The simulated partial blockage of the internal nasal valve lumen in its upper part in the area of the diffuser does not significantly affect the resistance of the air passing through the nasal passages, but the olfactory function is impaired, which is reflected the quality of life.

Relative Metric Indicators of the Upper and Lower Parts of the Internal Nasal Valve Lumen and Their Impact on Nasal Respiratory and Olfactory Functions

“…The analysis of the obtained data leads to the conclusion on the crucial role of olfactory reception in the formation of the subjective feeling of nasal breathing quality [8]. The effectiveness of this reception, among other factors, also depends on the shape and lumen of the nasal valve, which regulates the direction of the airflow through the nasal passages [9]. Therefore, during corrective interventions in the nasal cavity, the surgeon should pay attention not only to the size of the lumen in the upper part of the internal nasal valve, but also to the ratio of its area to the area of the lumen in the lower part.…”