Rhinomanometry as an additional diagnostic method in cases of the Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring syndrome

Abstract

Background:
In recent decades, diagnostic methods in otorhinolaryngology and sleep medicine have been developing and improving at an extremely rapid pace. On a global scale, the problem of timely and correct diagnosis of the Syndrome of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring Syndrome (SOSAS) is relevant, since SOSAS affects the quality of life of patients. Nowadays, the most widely used method for diagnosing OSA is polysomnography. For even more precise diagnosis and timely correct treatment in patients with nasal obstruction and SOSAS, it is recommended to apply the methods of rhinomanometry.
The aim of the following article is to research the role of rhinomanometry as an additional diagnostic method in cases of the Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring syndrome.
Methods:
In the period November 2023 – March 2025, a scientific study was conducted in the facility of the Medical University – Varna, in the Sector „Audiovestibular Medicine and Sleep Medicine”. The scientific study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical University – Varna (No. 131 / 11.05.2023). A total of 70 participants took part in the scientific study, of which 50 were male and 20 were female, examined by the same ENT-specialist. All patients studied gave their voluntary written informed consent to participate in the scientific study. All participants included in the study underwent a complete otorhinolaryngological examination with devices (Interacoustics®, Dennmark), Home sleep apnea test (HSAT) (Weinmann® Somnocheck micro cardio) and rhinomanometry (Atmos® Rhino 31, Germany). For the purposes of the study, the anterior measurement methods were used when performing rhinomanometric examinations.
Results and discussion:
When conducting the rhinomanometric examination in all patients, the anterior measurement method was used. After relaxing for at least 20 minutes, in one nostril at a time, all patients were examined using the active anterior rhinometry method in a sitting position. After a complete otorhinolaryngological examination, only 20% of the participants (14 participants) were not diagnosed with any ENT-disease. Among the remaining, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinogenic and odontogenic sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis were observed, and patients with more than one of the indicated diseases combined were described. The most frequently placed diagnosis was the chronic allergic rhinitis (more than 40% of the cases), often combined with nasal polyposis. SOSAS cases were diagnosed in 50 out of the 56 patients with an ENT-disorder. All patients with a SOSAS case were diagnosed with a nasal obstruction of a different degree. Authors re-tested the sleep quality and quantity of all SOSAS patients, after treating the nasal obstruction condition and found out that AHI tends to reduce. Symptoms of OSA were alleviated.
Conclusions:
It can be concluded that early detection of altered pressure, volumetric airflow and nasal resistance using rhinomanometry can prevent or delay the development of the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The results of the scientific study show that rhinomanometry is an effective clinical diagnostic method for measuring, assessing and diagnosing nasal breathing. Timely diagnosis of SOSAS is the key to successful and correct treatment of patients and improving their quality of life. Treating the nasal obstruction alleviates the symptoms of OSA.