Normal peak nasal inspiratory flow rate values in healthy children aged 6 to 11 years in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: The measurement of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) is a simple, quick, easy to perform and cheap tool for determining the extent of nasal airway patency. However, normative data are rare and not available for Dutch children aged 6 to 11 years. Methods: Repeated PNIF measurements were obtained from 212 Dutch children of primary school age. Of these 212 children, 166 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our study. The influence of age, gender, ethnicity, weight and height on PNIF was studied. Results: Age is the only parameter of influence on PNIF. All other parameters do not influence PNIF. Normative data are presented. Conclusion: PNIF measurements are possible in children aged six years and older. Age does influence PNIF, but gender, weight, height and ethnicity do not.