Rhinometry – Lawton, OK
Advanced Airway Analysis
A sleep test is an important step on your way to receiving sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. But did you know there are other tests that can give Dr. Drummond insight into your condition? Specifically, he may use a rhinometer to carry out an advanced airway analysis of your nasal passages. What exactly is rhinometry, and how can it help Lawton patients to breathe easier? Read on below to find out, or contact our practice to ask questions.
What Is a Rhinometer?
A rhinometer is a device that uses sound waves to help Dr. Drummond understand how air flows through your nasal passages. You simply breathe into it, and the sophisticated technology lets our team know if there are any anatomical abnormalities or other issues that are interfering with your ability to breathe well through your nose.
The test is fast and noninvasive. It is often used in conjunction with a pharyngometer for complete airway analysis. (A pharyngometer is a device that uses sound waves directed through the mouth to reveal details about a patient’s airway.)
Benefits of Rhinometry
Some outstanding benefits of rhinometry include:
- It plays an important role in treatment planning. Armed with information from your sleep test, rhinometry test, and pharyngometry test, Dr. Drummond can accurately assess your condition. He can then decide which type of oral appliance would be the best device to address your obstructive sleep apnea.
- The test is easy and noninvasive. In just a few minutes, we can gather valuable information about your breathing patterns and airway function that we might not be able to gather through other means. Plus, the test involves little to no patient discomfort!
- The test is low-risk. The rhinometer uses sound waves, somewhat similar to the SONAR that boats are commonly equipped with. There is no need to expose patients to radiation or anything else that might have adverse consequences for their health.
- The results are accurate. The advanced technology is consistently reliable, providing accurate analysis that can help to diagnose problems and monitor a patient’s progress with their sleep apnea treatment.
Rhinometry can be a valuable stepping stone on your path to better nighttime breathing! To learn more about this simple and quick test, get in touch with Stop Snoring Lawton today.