Objective: The purpose of this study was to obtain normal values of nasal g
eometry in Asian children with no nasal problems using the acoustic rhinome
try method.
Method: Acoustic rhinometric measurement of the nasal fossae was performed
in pediatric patients coming for general surgical operations with no nasal
problem.
Results: A cohort study of 183 children in an acute care hospital with full
elective and emergency surgical services was undertaken. The mean minimal
cross-sectional area (MCA), which was functionally important for nasal brea
thing, was found to be 0.32 cm(2) (SD = 0.13) and situated at 1.40 cm (SD =
0.26) from the anterior nare. Normal values for area, length, and volume o
f the nose in these children as a group and at different ages from 1 to 11
years old were obtained.
Conclusions: Acoustic rhinometry was found to be well tolerated by the chil
dren. The MCA was confirmed to be situated at the anterior part of the nose
and had a positive correlation with an increase in age.