Evaluation of Mini Infrared Thermographic Camera as an Objective Tool for Assessment of Nasal Obstruction, A Feasibility Study

Nasal Obstruction (NO) is a common symptom for a wide range of pathologies, to date there are no universally accepted methods to determine the severity of NO. Nasal Obstruction can be evaluated subjectively by means of questionnaires such as Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Objective methods of evaluation include Anterior-Posterior Rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, Peak Nasal inspiratory Flow and 3D CT reconstruction flow modeling. This study explores a novel method of NO severity evaluation, by means of Mini Infrared (IR) Thermographic Camera. Inspired air has a cooling effect on nasal vestibule skin while expired air conversely warms up the skin. The cooling and warming process emits Infrared wavelengths at different intensities hence an Infrared camera can be used to indirectly measure the temperature fluctuation without direct contact. This study primarily compares Nasal Vestibule temperature fluctuation range detected on mini IR thermographic camera to NOSE questionnaire score in subjects with the symptom of Nasal Obstruction. Secondarily, this study compares IR thermography results to standard measurement of Active Anterior Rhinomanometry. 34 Subjects with Nasal Obstruction complaints were recruited from the outpatient clinic. All subjects are required to complete the survey via NOSE questionnaire, then to undergo IR thermography evaluation and Anterior Rhinomanometry in the same setting. All subjects are above the age of 18 and well consented. Exclusion criteria includes underlying lung disease, local nasal skin inflammatory condition, septal perforation and recent nasal surgeries. Result wise there is a moderately strong correlation found (R2 = 0.713), between NOSE score and Nasal Vestibule Temperature Fluctuation Means ; On the other hand, Correlation between Nasal Vestibule Temperature Fluctuation and Anterior Rhinomanometry is weak (R2 = 0.001 - 0.008). In conclusion Infrared camera is a potentially useful tool for evaluation of Nasal blockage, demonstrated by moderate correlation to the subjective NOSE score, however further study with larger sample size is needed for validation.

Nasal, Obstruction, Infrared, Rhinomanometry, Thermography

1. ESHNR 2023 Book of Abstracts. (2023). Insights into Imaging, 14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ottaviano, G. (2023). NASAL PATENCY MEASUREMENT. STATE OF THE ART OF ACOUSTIC RHINOMETRY. Facial Plastic Surgery, 40(3), 304. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Telson, Y. C., Furlan, R. M. M. M., Porto, M. P., Ferreira, R. A. M., & Motta, A. R. (2023). Evaluation of the Breathing Mode by Infrared Thermography. Research Square (Research Square). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Tjahjono, R., & Singh, N. (2021). Correlation between nasal mucosal temperature change and the perception of nasal patency: a literature review. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 135(2), 104-109. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Keck, T., Leiacker, R., Riechelmann, H., & Rettinger, G. (2000). Temperature profile in the nasal cavity. The Laryngoscope, 110(4), 651-654. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Lindemann, J., Keck, T., Scheithauer, M. O., Leiacker, R., & Wiesmiller, K. (2007). Nasal mucosal temperature in relation to nasal airflow as measured by rhinomanometry. American journal of rhinology, 21(1), 46-49 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Lian, X., Ma, G., Gao, C., Liu, C., Wu, Y., & Guan, W. (2025). A Nasal Resistance Measurement System Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion of Pressure and Flow. Micromachines, 16(8), 886. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Clement, P.A.; Gordts, F. Consensus report on acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry. Rhinology 2005, 43, 169–179. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Kastl KG, Wiesmiller KM, Lindemann J. Dynamic infrared thermography of the nasal vestibules: a new method. Rhinology. 2009 Mar;47(1):89-92 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Ciprandi, G., Mora, F., Cassano, M., Gallina, A. M., & Mora, R. (2009). Visual analog scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction in persistent allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 141(4), 52 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Shukla, R. H., Nemade, S. V., & Shinde, K. J. (2020). Comparison of visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score in evaluation of post septoplasty patients. World journal of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery, 6(01), 53-58 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Treasure of 6th Edition of Organon of Medicine- Lm Potency
• Neurobehavioral and Immune-Histochemical Effects of Daucus Carota Ethanolic Leaf Extract in Cadmium-Induced Toxicity of the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats
• Unveiling the Antimicrobial Potential of Homoeopathic Sarcode and Bowel Nosode: A Study on Histaminum and Dysenteriae Co against Escherichia Coli And Klebsiella Bacteria
• Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) in HCTM – (A Retrospective Cohort Study)
• A Prospective Case Study Examining the Effectiveness of Homoeopathic Medicine in Treating Degenerative Changes in the Lumbar Spine-A Case Report