Physiological detection of cold air-induced non-allergic rhinitis

• Main Authors: ming-sian Jhuang, 莊明憲
• Other Authors: Cheng-Lun Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2018
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/8pe694

碩士 === 中原大學 === 生物醫學工程研究所 === 106 === The symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis are very similar to allergic rhinitis. It can be triggered without an allergen, and lasts for a long time. There is still no special diagnostic instrument for non-allergic rhinitis. Generally, it is diagnosed after excluding most known allergic factors. In this study, an optical rhinometer is developed to continuously monitoring the rhinitis symptoms and physiological changes that are triggered by a cold-air stimulation. It detects the change in blood perfusion to nasal chamber and heart rate using the measurement of light transmission through nasal bridge. The breathing parameters are measured using thermistors to detect the temperature of air flowing through nostrils. A system-on-a-chip collects all the data and transfers them to a computer for analysis and storage through the wireless Bluetooth communication. The stimulating condition is controlled by setting air temperature and guiding the subjects to control their respiratory rate. The results show that blood perfusion changes with cold air stimulation is more obvious in subjects with rhinitis. The greater constriction of vessels with stimulus results in a faster temperature drop of nasal wall. This is also reflected on the temperature drop of air exhaled through nostril. The detection of rhinitis reactions by physical stimulation using the optical rhinometer could be a useful screening method of non-allergic rhinitis. It will also help the physician in determining the prescription and treatment process.