Abstract
BACKGROUND: The relationship between clinical examination findings and objective nasal patency measures in structural nasal obstruction remains uncertain. This review aims to explore the relationship between clinical nasal examination findings and objective nasal patency measures using acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow, rhinomanometry and rhinospirometry. METHODS: Qualitative systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 statement. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles were included in the systematic review. Several studies showed a positive relationship between objective nasal patency measures and clinical nasal examination findings, however evidence in the literature is limited and confined to cohort studies. Objective nasal patency measures using acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry and rhinospirometry assessment correlate positively in severe anterior septal deviation but its role in assessing middle/posterior and mild/moderate septal deviation in isolation remains uncertain. There is limited evidence in the literature to assess the relationship between peak nasal inspiratory flow and clinical examination findings.