Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T04:41:44.307Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The nasal valve: a physiological and clinical study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. S. Jones*
Affiliation:
From: The Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
R. G. Wight
Affiliation:
From: The Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
J. C. Stevens
Affiliation:
From: The Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
E. Beckingham
Affiliation:
From: The Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
*
A.S Jones, Department of ENT Surgery, ‘B’ Floor, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, England.

Abstract

Fifteen subject underwent nasal pressure gradient studies to determine the resistance profile of the nose. Seventy-nine per cent of nasal resistance to airflow occurred in the segment 0 cm.−2.8 cm. from the posterior margin of the anterior nares. The greater part of this resistance (43 per cent) occurred in the segment 1.5 cm.−2.8 cm. within the nose, and this area approximated to the site of the pyriform aperture.

Eighteen patients underwent a trial of radical trimming of the turbinates (12 patients) versus anterior trimming of the inferior turbinates (6 patients). Both operations produced a similar fall in nasal resistance to airflow, confirming that the region of the pyriform aperture was the site of maximum nasal resistance.

Whereas the radical operation significantly reduced the sensation of nasal obstruction, the anterior operation did not.

The results of the study are discussed with reference to previous work on the subject.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1988

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bachmann, W. and Legler, U. (1972) Studies on the structure and function of the anterior section of the nose by means of luminal impressions. Acta Otolaryngologica, 73: 433442.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bridger, G. P. and Proctor, D. F. (1970) Maximum nasal inspiratory flow and nasal resistance. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, 79: 481486.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Clement, P. A. R. (1984) Committee report on the standardization of rhinomanometry. Rhinology, 22: 151155.Google ScholarPubMed
Dallimore, N. S. and Eccles, R. (1977) Changes in human nasal resistance associated with exercise, hyperventilation and rebreathing. Acta Otolaryngologica, 84: 416421.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dishoeck, van H. A. E. (1942) Inspiratory nasal resistance. Acta Otolaryngologica, 30: 431439.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
van Dishoeck, H. A. E. (1957) Some remarks on nasal physiology. Lectures read for the American Rhinological Society at Yale University, New Haven. 06 1957, p. 23.Google Scholar
Fanous, N. (1986) Anterior turbinectomy. Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, 112; 850852.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Haight, J. S. J. and Cole, P. (1983) The site and function of the nasal valve. Laryngoscope, 93: 4955.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hamilton, L. H. (1979) nasal airway resistance: It's measurement and regulation. Physiologist, 22: 4349.Google Scholar
Jones, A. S., Lancer, J. M., Shone, G. R. and Stevens, J. C. (1986) The effect of lignocaine on nasal resistance and nasal sensationof airflow. Acta Otolaryngologica, 101: 328330.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jones, A. S., Lancer, J. M., Stevens, J. C. and Beckingham, E. (1987) nasal resistance to airflow: It's measurement, reproductibility and normal parameters. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 101: 800808.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mink, P. J. (1920) Physiologie der oberen luftwege. Leipzig, Cited by Uddstromer, M. in Nasal Respiration. (1940) Acta otolaryngologica [Supplement 42]Google Scholar
Ophir, D., Shapira, A. and Marshak, G. (1985) Total inferior turbinectomy for nasal airway obstruction. Archives of Otolaryngology, 111: 9395.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rohrer, F. (1915) Der stromungwiderstand in den menschlichen atemwegen und der einfluss der unregelmassigen verzweigen der bronchial systems auf den atmungsverflauf verschiedenen lungenbezirken. Pflugen Archives Ges Physiologie, 162: 225296.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Uddstromer, M. (1940) L'importance des cornets pour la resistance dans le nez normal. Acta Otolaryngologica, 28: 364375.CrossRefGoogle Scholar