Rhinomanometry:
Rhinomanometry is a test used to evaluate nasal function. A special unit measures air pressure and the rate of airflow which provides documentation of pressure/flow relationship during a nasal respiratory cycle. With this information a clinician can provide you with information such as:
How obstructed your nasal passage is
If there are signs of a nasal turbinate issue
Whether there is an obstruction and what side it’s on
Whether there is a possible septal deviation
May show issues with valve collapses
In addition to the above, rhinomanometry tests have been used to help diagnose sleep breathing disorders.
How Does The Test Work?
The rhinometry test is simple with minimal discomfort, and measures each nostril’s rate of airflow and air pressure. A foam plug is inserted into the non-testing nostril and then the patient holds a mask over their nose and mouth, which is hooked up to the testing unit, and instructed to breath normally. This process is done for both sides.
An additional test can be done to measure the posterior spaces airflow. In this test, a tube is placed in the mouth and rests on the tongue. In this test the nasal passages are not blocked. The patient again places a mask over their nose and mouth and is instructed to breath normally.
Once each part of the test is done, the clinician may do a few more additional readings to get an overall span of your nasal patency.
Nasal Release:
The facial complex is made up of different bones sutured together. These bones can expand and contract, just like the bones of our rib cage, and may be manipulated to release tension and torsion.
The Nasal Release, also known as Cranial Facial Release (CFR), is a non-surgical and minimally invasive technique where a small balloon is inserted into one nostril at a time, while the other nostril is held shut, and gently inflated. Some of the objectives of this technique are to decompress the cranial bones, open up the nasal breathing passages, create better sinus and venous drainage, and more.
While there can be some discomfort with this simple procedure, nasal release has helped with, but is not limited to:
Headaches
Sinus Congestion
Sinus infections
Post-concussion syndrome
TMJ Dysfunction
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Snoring
Fatigue
Eye strain
Orofacial / Craniofacial pain
Sleep disturbances and sleep apnea
Sense of smell and taste
By opening up the nose and releasing the craniofacial complex, the nasal release can serve towards better breathing and better overall health.