Kjaergaard et al reported the nasal congestion index (NCI). This measures the change in an objective measure of nasal congestion following administration of a nasal decongestant. The authors are from Haukeland University and Sarlandet Hospital in Norway.
Objective measures:
(1) minimal cross-sectional nasal area in square cm
(2) nasal volume in cubic cm
(3) peak nasal inspiratory flow in mL per min
index for individual objective measure in percent=
= ((measure after decongestant) - (measure before decongestant)) / (measure before decongestant) * 100%
Interpretation:
• minimum: 0%
• maximum: 200%
• The higher the NCI the greater the reversible mucosal congestion.
The authors also reported a subjective measure based on the difference between the VAS for nasal obstruction before and after decongestant:
change in nasal obstruction VAS =
= (VAS before decongestant) - (VAS after decongestant)
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