Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare symptom improvement, objective nasal airflow changes, and quality of life (QoL) benefits following septoplasty between young and middle-aged adults.

Patients and Methods: Between December 2015 and May 2016, a prospective cohort analysis was performed on 56 patients who underwent septoplasty for nasal septal deviation. Participants were categorized into two groups according to their age: the young adult group (24 males, 6 females; mean age: 27.4±6.5 years; range, 18 to 40 years) and the middle-aged group (18 males, 8 females; mean age: 47.3±5.5 years; range, 41 to 60 years). Nasal obstruction was evaluated using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and acoustic rhinometry, including the measurement of minimal cross-sectional area and nasal volume. Quality of life was assessed preoperatively and two months postoperatively using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Outcomes were compared within and between groups, and correlations between symptom improvement and QoL were analyzed.

Results: Both groups demonstrated a marked reduction in NOSE scores (~80→~9; p < 0.001) with no significant between-group differences. Acoustic rhinometry confirmed postoperative enlargement of nasal cavities in both cohorts, and the overall percent changes did not differ by age. The GBI scores indicated improved QoL for all patients, with overall scores of +64.6 in the young groups compared with +51.9 in the middle-aged group, with significantly greater gains for younger adults in overall, psychological, and social domains (p < 0.05). Symptom improvement correlated positively with QoL (ρ ≈ 0.45-0.58; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Septoplasty significantly improves nasal breathing and QoL across all adult age groups. Younger patients may report greater subjective benefit, but age alone does not diminish surgical success.

Citation: Parmaksız O, Tabaru A, Rüzgar S, Akpinar M. Comparison of NOSE score, Glasgow Benefit Inventory, and acoustic rhinometry outcomes between young and middle-aged septoplasty patients. Praxis Otorhinolaryngol 2026;14(2):73- 83. https://doi.org/10.5606/kbbu.2026.26097.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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The authors declare that artificial intelligence (AI) tools were not used, or were used solely for language editing, and had no role in data analysis, interpretation, or the formulation of conclusions. All scientific content, data interpretation, and conclusions are the sole responsibility of the authors. The authors further confirm that AI tools were not used to generate, fabricate, or ‘hallucinate’ references, and that all references have been carefully verified for accuracy.

O.P., A.T.: Developed the study concept and design, performed the analysis and interpretation, and wrote the manuscript; M.A.: Supervised the study; O.P., S.R.: Were responsible for data collection and/or processing; A.T., S.R.: Conducted the literature review; M.A., S.R.: Critically reviewed the manuscript; A.T.: Handled references and fundings; O.P.: Provided the materials. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.