The adrenaline contraction test with rhinomanometry.

The relationship between the sensation of nasal obstruction as a subjective symptom and nasal resistance was examined, and the adrenaline contraction test combined with rhinomanometry was evaluated. The nasal resistance was determined by the oscillation method using a rhinomanometry. As the sensation of nasal obstruction advanced, the nasal resistance tended to be increased. The group with a (-) sensation of nasal obstruction included patients with a high nasal resistance who corrected their first statement to a (+) sensation as a result of the adrenaline contraction test. The test indicated the sensation of nasal obstruction more accurately. In the 26 patients who underwent septoplasty and conchotomy, the rate of change in BNR by the adrenaline contraction test was 30-40%. The eight patients whose preoperative rate was less than 20% all showed a rate of more than 40% in unilateral rhinomanometry. Indications of reconstructive surgery for nasal obstruction may be present if the rate of change in BNR is 30-40% or the rate of change in unilateral rhinomanometry is more than 40%. Since the test predicted the postoperative nasal resistance, it can also be used in evaluating the results of surgical therapy.