Effects of age, body mass index, and gender on nasal airflow rate and pressures

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation of airflow rate and oral-nasal pressure with age, body mass index (BMI), and gender (i.e., to evaluate whether the effects of age, BMI, and gender on airflow rate and pressures are convergent with their effects on nasal cross-sectional area and resistance).

Study design: A cross-sectional study of 332 subjects (214 female and 118 male subjects) aged 16 to 82 years.

Methods: The aerodynamic measurements of nasal airflow rate and nasal and oral pressures were performed by posterior rhinomanometry. Age, gender, weight, and height were recorded for each subject, and the BMI was calculated. The effects of age, BMI, and gender on airflow rate and nasal and oral pressures were estimated by ANOVA.

Results: Nasal airflow rate and oral and nasal pressures increased with increasing BMI. In addition, the mean values of airflow rate and pressures were significantly higher in male than in female subjects. Increasing age was related to increased oral pressure, but was not associated with airflow rate or nasal pressure.

Conclusions: This study suggests that, on the contrary to the findings in children and adolescents, BMI and gender should be taken into consideration when measuring the patency of upper airway in adults.