Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow: Reference Values for Thais

Abstract

Objective: Nasal obstruction can be measured objectively by rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, both complex techniques. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) is also a tool for evaluating nasal obstruction. This study aimed to establish normal PNIF ranges for an Asian population accounting for sex, age, weight, and height. Methods: Using a portable Youlten peak flowmeter, PNIF was measured in 180 healthy Thais (ages 15-70 years). Normal ranges for male and female subjects, adjusted for weight and height, were determined using multiple regression analysis. Results: Body mass index values (mean ± S.D.) of the 82 male and 98 female subjects were 24.9 ± 4.5 and 21.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2 , respectively. PNIF was significantly higher in males than in females (139 ± 37.6 vs. 97.1 ± 27.1 l/ min, p<0.001). After adjusting for weight and height, PNIF reference ranges (lower and upper limits with 95% confidence intervals, respectively) were 126.8 (124.5 to 129.1) and 151.2 (148.9 to 153.5) l/min for males and 82.5 (80.0 to 85.0) and 111.7 (109.2 to 114.3) l/min for females. Conclusion: Sex, height, and weight affected the PNIF rate. This study has provided normal PNIF ranges for healthy male and female Thai population that account for weight and height.

Keywords

• Peak nasal inspiratory flow
• nasal airflow
• nasal obstruction
• normal value
• reference range