Differences in trigeminal function, olfaction, and nasal airflow measurements in patients with and without chronic rhinosinusitis
Wed-P2-067
Presented by: Anna Kristina Hernandez
Aims: This study aimed to determine how trigeminal, olfactory, and nasal airflow measures vary among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) compared to healthy controls; whether these measures are proportionately affected by disease severity (nasal polyp grading); and whether intranasal trigeminal tests may be used to estimate nasal airflow.
Methods: Participants included CRS patients for surgery or repeat surgery and healthy controls. After a structured medical history, the following measures were obtained: trigeminal lateralization test and CO2 sensitivity (trigeminal function), “Sniffin’ Sticks” odor identification test (orthonasal olfaction), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and rhinomanometry (RMM) (before and difference after decongestion; nasal airflow), and visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings for nasal airpuff sensation, smell ability, and nasal breathing. Lildholdt and Lund Kennedy nasal polyp gradings were also determined and participants also completed the Sinunasal Outcome Test-20.
Results: Seventy-one participants were included, 37 men, 34 women; aged 28 to 76 years (mean: 52). CRS patients had worse trigeminal function (trigeminal lateralization scores, p=0.03; and CO2 sensitivity, p<0.001) and decreased olfaction (smell ability VAS ratings, p<0.001; and odor identification scores, p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. There were no significant differences for nasal airflow between patients and controls. Trigeminal function was not correlated with nasal airflow.
Conclusion: Trigeminal function and olfaction are decreased in patients with CRS, likely related to inflammatory processes. Nasal airflow, however, is a complex measure that may vary greatly between individuals and could potentially be influenced by several factors (i.e., nasal anatomy, lung function, nasal cycle), including previous nasal surgery. Although PNIF and RMM are common clinical tests for intranasal airflow, these results must always be correlated with clinical findings.
Methods: Participants included CRS patients for surgery or repeat surgery and healthy controls. After a structured medical history, the following measures were obtained: trigeminal lateralization test and CO2 sensitivity (trigeminal function), “Sniffin’ Sticks” odor identification test (orthonasal olfaction), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and rhinomanometry (RMM) (before and difference after decongestion; nasal airflow), and visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings for nasal airpuff sensation, smell ability, and nasal breathing. Lildholdt and Lund Kennedy nasal polyp gradings were also determined and participants also completed the Sinunasal Outcome Test-20.
Results: Seventy-one participants were included, 37 men, 34 women; aged 28 to 76 years (mean: 52). CRS patients had worse trigeminal function (trigeminal lateralization scores, p=0.03; and CO2 sensitivity, p<0.001) and decreased olfaction (smell ability VAS ratings, p<0.001; and odor identification scores, p<0.001) compared to healthy controls. There were no significant differences for nasal airflow between patients and controls. Trigeminal function was not correlated with nasal airflow.
Conclusion: Trigeminal function and olfaction are decreased in patients with CRS, likely related to inflammatory processes. Nasal airflow, however, is a complex measure that may vary greatly between individuals and could potentially be influenced by several factors (i.e., nasal anatomy, lung function, nasal cycle), including previous nasal surgery. Although PNIF and RMM are common clinical tests for intranasal airflow, these results must always be correlated with clinical findings.