TECHNIQUE FOR ASSESSING NASAL AIRWAY-RESISTANCE IN PATIENTS TREATED PROSTHETICALLY

This investigation was designed to compare nasal airway resistance (Rn aw) values hy use of 'head-out'' plethysmography and standard posterio r pressure-flow rhinometry. Fourteen adults who had prostheses because of velopharyngeal inadequacy caused by a variety of etiologic conditi ons were examined. Each patient performed rest breathing and sustained /m/ productions to develop Rnaw values for comparison. The results re vealed increased Rnaw and decreased cross-sectional nasal airway area and derived velopharyngeal orifice area when the appliances were in pl ace. The two techniques for assessing Rnaw produced comparable results when certain conditions were met. Clinical implications for team asse ssment of patients involved with prosthetic management are discussed.