RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Diagnosis of Respiratory Disorders by the Numerical Modeling.

This research is investigating a common problem: having a persistently stuffy nose, called chronic nasal obstruction. Currently, doctors usually ask patients to fill out questionnaires to understand their symptoms. However, these can be influenced by many things and aren't always accurate. This study aims to find a more objective way to diagnose and understand nasal obstruction. Researchers are using computer simulations to model how air moves through the nose. By studying these air patterns in people with clear noses and those with chronic stuffiness, they hope to get a better picture of what causes discomfort and how to best treat it. The goal is to provide doctors with better tools for diagnosing this condition, which affects many people.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

300

Start

09 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

09 Jul 2026

Nasal Obstruction Deviated Nasal Septum

What is this study about?

Many people suffer from a stuffy nose that just won't go away, a condition known as chronic nasal obstruction. It's a really common problem, affecting about one in four people, and can be caused by various things like a bent nasal wall (deviated septum), growths in the nose (polyps), or long-term sinus problems. This ongoing stuffiness can make it hard to sleep and affect your general quality of life, sometimes even leading to feelings of sadness or depression.

Right now, it's hard for doctors to measure how bad someone's nasal obstruction truly is. They often rely on questionnaires where patients describe their symptoms. However, how you answer can depend on many things, like how stressed or tired you are, or even what you hope to get from your treatment. This makes it tricky for doctors to get a clear and consistent picture of the problem, leading to uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment.

This study is trying to change that. Researchers are using advanced computer models, sometimes called 'Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation.' Imagine a computer program that can show exactly how air flows through your nose. By studying these detailed air patterns, they hope to find a more accurate and reliable way to measure nasal obstruction. This could help doctors to understand the problem better, make more precise diagnoses, and avoid unnecessary operations or treatments. It could even reduce the number of people who have operations that don't fully solve their problem.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find a better, more objective way to measure long-term stuffy noses.
It uses computer models to simulate air flow through the nose.
The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.
No new tests or procedures are involved for participants; existing anonymous data is used.
This research tackles a common health problem affecting many people.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be an adult between 18 and 69 years old. Your body mass index (BMI) should be less than 30, which is a measure of your weight in relation to your height. The study is particularly looking for people of Caucasian or Mediterranean background. You might be eligible if you have clear nasal passages (no stuffiness) or have a slightly bent nasal wall but no other sinus issues, and you score very low on a specific nasal symptom questionnaire.

Alternatively, you could be eligible if you have ongoing stuffiness caused by a bent nasal wall that doctors believe needs surgery, and you score higher on the nasal symptom questionnaire. You might also be included if you have mild sleep apnoea (where you briefly stop breathing during sleep) that is only caused by your nasal obstruction.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you have acute or long-term sinus infections (unless it's just controlled hay fever), certain blood vessel conditions, a history of 'empty nose syndrome,' holes in your nasal wall, or if you've had nose plastic surgery, sinus surgery, or cancer treatment involving your head or neck. People with uncontrolled lung conditions or who are taking medications that affect blood vessel changes in the nose would also not be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 69 years old?
Is your BMI (Body Mass Index) less than 30?
Are you of Caucasian or Mediterranean ethnic background?
Do you either have a clear nose (or only a slightly bent nasal wall without other problems), OR do you have ongoing nasal stuffiness due to a bent nasal wall that needs surgery?
Do you NOT have acute or chronic sinus infections (except controlled hay fever)?
Have you NOT had previous nose plastic surgery or sinus surgery?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are part of this study, you won't need to attend any special appointments or have direct follow-up visits. The researchers will be using information that has already been collected from past patient records. This includes your medical history and imaging scans (like CT scans) that were part of your routine care when you visited clinics for nose and sinus problems. Your personal details will be made anonymous before the researchers examine the data. There are no new tests or medications involved for you.

Potential risks and benefits

This study uses existing, anonymous data, so there are no direct physical risks to you. You won't need to undergo any new procedures or take any medication. The main benefit is that the findings could lead to better tools for diagnosing and treating chronic stuffy noses in the future, helping many people avoid unnecessary operations and receive more effective care. You have the right to withdraw your information from the study at any time, if it has not already been made anonymous and analysed. This would not affect your current or future medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Bordeaux
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'chronic nasal obstruction'?

It's when you have a stuffy or blocked nose that lasts for a long time and doesn't easily clear up.

Why can't doctors easily measure a stuffy nose now?

Currently, doctors often use questionnaires, but these can be affected by how a person feels, their mood, and other factors, making it hard to get a consistent measure.

What are 'computer simulations'?

These are computer programs that can create detailed models, in this case, showing how air flows through the nose, to help understand the problem better.

Will I have to do anything if I participate?

No, this study uses existing medical records and scans that have already been collected, so you don't need to take any action or attend extra appointments.

What could be the benefit of this study?

It could help doctors make more accurate diagnoses of stuffy noses, potentially leading to better treatments and fewer unnecessary operations in the future.

How to find out more

Ludovic De GABORY, Pr

ludovic.de-gabory@chu-bordeaux.fr 05 56 79 87 88 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.