What is Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Measurement ?
The Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Measurement is a test that measures objectively nasal passage obstruction. It’s a unique and innovative medical test in ENT practice which helps to indicate the degree of nasal obstruction and also to confirm it through an objective measurement.
What are the benefits of the Nasal Inspiratory Flow Measurement 2
- Measurement of the inspiratory air flow through the nose
- Objective diagnosis of nasal obstruction
- Accurate assessment of nasal congestion
- Individually calibrated to ensure accuracy
- Inexpensive
- Quick, Simple and painless test
- Can be used during assessment of allergic rhinitis
- Measurements of nasal flow before and after septoplasy and inferior turbinates cauterization to evaluate objectively the difference in nasal breathing.
How does it work ?
The Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Measurement uses a meter that works when a patient inhales through the nose causing air to be drawn through it, therefore a cursor moves along the scale to indicate the speed of inhalation. The flow rate achieved can be noted by checking the position of the cursor against the calibrated scale.
What are the normal values and what does the Nasal Inspiratory Flow Meter measures?
The normal values are between 100-180 L/min and it measures the volume of the air that is being inhaled per litre.
Are there any published articles that support the Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Meter use in daily ENT practice ?
- Liv Kari Døsen, Knut Kvinnesland, Magnus TarAngen, Olga Shiryaeva, Caryl Gay , and Rolf Haye
Unilateral and Bilateral PNIF in Quality Control of Nasal Septal Surgery
View at International Journal of Otolaryngology
Volume 2018, Article ID 7846843, 7 pages
Conclusion of the article : the subjective and objective improvements after septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty were signifcant showing that the subjective and objective instruments are valid.
- Ottaviano1 & W. J. Fokkens
Measurements of nasal airflow and patency: a critical
review with emphasis on the use of peak nasal inspiratory flow in daily practice.
To cite this article: Ottaviano G, Fokkens WJ. Measurements of nasal airflow and patency: a critical review with emphasis on the use of peak nasal inspiratory
flow in daily practice. Allergy 2016; 71: 162–174.
Conclusion of the article : PNIF, being inexpensive,
fast, portable and simple, should be available in
every practice where ‘airway’ diseases are diagnosed and treated in adults as well in children.