Method and system for measuring airflow of nares

A method comprising:

• measuring a pressure associated with an airflow through a first naris, the measuring by way of a first sensing tube;
• and
• measuring a pressure associated with an airflow through a second naris, the measuring the pressure associated with airflow through the second naris by way of a second sensing tube, the first and second sensing tubes fluidly independent;
• wherein measuring the pressure associated with the airflow through the first naris is accomplished without blocking the second naris;
• and
• wherein measuring the pressure associated with the airflow through the second naris is accomplished without blocking the first naris.

A nasal function test device comprising:

• a first air mass flow sensor configured to fluidly couple to a first naris by way of a first sensing tube, the first air mass flow sensor detects airflow of the first naris that flows through the first sensing tube to create a first measured flow signal;
• a second air mass flow sensor configured to fluidly couple to a second naris by way of a second, fluidly independent sensing tube, the second air mass flow sensor detects airflow of the second naris that flows through the second sensing tube to create a second measured flow signal;
• and
• a processor electrically coupled to the first and second airflow sensors, and wherein the processor is programmed to substantially simultaneously read the first and second measured flow signals.

A nasal function test device comprising:

• a first airflow sensor that detects at least a portion of an airflow through a first naris to create a first measured flow signal;
• a second airflow sensor that detects at least a portion of an airflow through a second naris to create a second measured flow signal;
• and
• a processor electrically coupled to the first and second airflow sensors, and wherein the processor is programmed to substantially simultaneously read the first and second measured flow signals;
• wherein the processor is further programmed to determine an area under a curve produced by changes in the first measured flow signal during at least one of inhalation or exhalation, the area being a first breathing score;
• wherein the processor is further programmed to determine an area under a curve produced by changes in the second measured flow signal during at least one of inhalation or exhalation, the area being a second breathing score;
• and
• wherein the processor determines a difference between the first and second breathing score.

A system comprising:

• a differential pressure measurement device having first and second ports, wherein the first port is configured to be fluidly coupled to a first nostril of a patient, and wherein the second port is configured to be fluidly coupled to a second nostril of a patient;
• an indicator coupled to the differential pressure measurement device, and wherein the indicator displays an indication of a difference in air pressure associated with airflow in each of the first and second nostrils;
• a nasal cannula having a first and second sensing lines, the first and second sensing lines not in fluid communication;
• and
• wherein the first sensing line couples to the first port, and wherein the second sensing line couples to the second port.

A method comprising:

• measuring a relative airflow as between the nostrils of a patient with the patient's head held in a first position and at a first respiratory rate;
• measuring a relative airflow as between the nostrils of the patient with the patient's head held in a second position and at a second respiratory rate;
• wherein the first and second position are one each selected from the group of:
• head upright, head tilted left, head tilted left, head facing down or head facing up;
• and
• wherein the first and second respiratory rate are one each selected from the group of:
• tidal breathing or maximum inspiration.

A nasal function test device comprising:

• a first pressure sensor configured to fluidly couple to a first naris by way of a first sensing tube, the first pressure sensor detects a pressure associated with an airflow through the first naris to create a first measured signal;
• a second pressure sensor configured to fluidly couple to a second naris by way of a second sensing tube, the second sensing tube fluidly independent of the first sensing tube, and the second pressure sensor detects a pressure associated with an airflow through the second naris to create a second measured signal;
• and
• a processor electrically coupled to the first and second pressure sensors, and wherein the processor is programmed to substantially simultaneously read the first and second measured signals.