RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of the Reliability of AAR as an Independent Tool for Surgical Indication in Nasal Obstruction

This study is investigating a common problem: a blocked nose, which affects many people. Doctors often use different methods to understand why someone's nose is blocked and if surgery might help. This trial focuses on a specific, non-invasive test called rhinomanometry. This test measures how easily air flows through your nose. The main goal is to see how reliable this test is by itself for deciding if someone needs surgery for their blocked nose. Currently, it's used alongside other assessments, but researchers want to know if it could play a bigger role in guiding surgical choices like septoplasty (for a bent nasal wall) or turbinoplasty (for swollen nasal tissues) in adults who are already planning to have these operations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer

Enrolment target

200

Start

27 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Nasal Obstruction

What is this study about?

Many people experience a blocked nose, which can really affect their quality of life, making it hard to breathe, affecting sleep, and sometimes even their sense of smell. There are often two main reasons for a blocked nose: either irritation and swelling inside the nose (like from allergies) or a physical blockage (like a bent wall inside the nose or swollen tissues).

When you see a doctor about a blocked nose, they will usually ask you some questions and examine your nose. They might also use some simple questionnaires to understand how much your blocked nose is impacting your daily life. To get a clearer picture, doctors can also use various tests that measure how air flows through your nose. One of these tests, called active anterior rhinomanometry (let's call it AAR), is quite common. It's a simple, painless test that shows how open your nasal passages are.

Currently, AAR is used as part of a bigger assessment, but doctors don't usually rely on it alone to decide if you need surgery. This study wants to find out if AAR could be accurate enough to be used as a key tool, or even on its own, to help decide if surgery like septoplasty (to straighten the nasal wall) or turbinoplasty (to reduce swollen tissues) is the best option for your blocked nose. The researchers are particularly interested in patients who are already scheduled for these surgeries and have had this test done.

Key takeaways

A blocked nose is a common problem affecting breathing and quality of life.
This study focuses on a test called rhinomanometry, which measures airflow through the nose.
Researchers want to see if rhinomanometry can independently help doctors decide if a patient needs surgery for a blocked nose.
The study looks at existing data from adults already scheduled for nose surgery.
There are no extra tests or procedures for participants; it uses information already collected.
The findings could improve how doctors decide on surgery for blocked noses in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older, who experiences a blocked nose. You must also be planning to have surgery for your blocked nose, such as septoplasty (to fix a bent nasal wall), turbinoplasty (to reduce swollen nasal tissues), or rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) if it’s also for breathing problems.

A key requirement is that you must have already had a special test called preoperative rhinomanometry. This is a test that measures how well air flows through your nose before your surgery.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have growths inside your nose called nasal polyps, or certain long-term sinus infections. Also, if you have or have had nasal or sinus tumours, or are currently being checked for them, you would not be able to participate.

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 18 years old or older?
Do you have problems with a blocked nose?
Are you scheduled for surgery (like septoplasty, turbinoplasty, or rhinoplasty for breathing)?
Have you already had a 'rhinomanometry' test before your surgery?
Do you not have nasal polyps or certain long-term sinus conditions?
Do you not have or are not being checked for nasal or sinus tumours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is reviewing information from patients who have already had a preoperative rhinomanometry test and are scheduled for surgery. This means you wouldn't need to attend extra visits or have new tests specifically for the study. The researchers will be looking at existing medical records and test results to understand the link between your rhinomanometry results and the decision for your surgery. There are no new medications involved, and no follow-up beyond your usual medical care for your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves looking at existing medical records and measurements from tests you've already had, there are no direct extra risks to you. There are no additional procedures or medications involved. The potential benefit is that the findings might help doctors improve how they decide on the best treatment for a blocked nose in the future, making assessment more accurate and potentially simpler. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your anonymised data to be used in the study at any time, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier de la Dracénie
Verified postcode
Draguignan, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is nasal obstruction?

Nasal obstruction is when your nose feels blocked, making it hard to breathe through it. This can be caused by swelling or by structures inside your nose.

What is rhinomanometry?

Rhinomanometry is a simple, painless test that measures how much air flows through your nose and how much resistance there is. It helps doctors understand how open your nasal passages are.

What is septoplasty or turbinoplasty?

These are common operations for a blocked nose. Septoplasty fixes a bent wall inside your nose, and turbinoplasty reduces swollen tissues inside your nose.

Will I have to do anything extra if I join this study?

No, if you join this study, you won't need to do anything extra. The researchers will be looking at information from tests and records that are already part of your medical care.

What is the study hoping to find out?

The study wants to know if the rhinomanometry test alone can accurately tell doctors if someone needs surgery for a blocked nose, helping to make decisions about operations like septoplasty or turbinoplasty clearer.

How to find out more

Sophie Lafond

sophie.lafond@ch-toulon.fr 0483772062 Official trial record

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