Objective: To quantitatively analyse the changes of nasal airway resistance (NAR) and olfactory function in patients before and after endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS).
Methods: NAR and olfactory functions in 127 patients suffering from chronic sinusitis and/or nasal polyps were measured with anterior rhinomanometry and T&T olfactometer standard odors.
Results: 1. The degree of NAR increased and olfactory dysfunction were accompanied with varied clinic classifications. 2. After the ESS, NAR decreased and olfactory functions improved obviously, the effective rates were 93.4% (85/91) and 71.9% (64/89) respectively. 3. Allergy was one of the major factors that affected the outcome of nasal function after ESS.
Conclusions: 1. The improvements of NAR and olfactory function in patients with chronic sinusitis and polyps were significant after ESS. 2. As the determining method of nasal function, the measurement of NAR and olfactory function ought to be used widely in clinical practice.