Nose and Sinus Air Flow Model

R. De Luca, M. Gamerra, G. Sorrentino, E. Cantone

Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Odontostomatologic Science, ENT Unit, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy.
Department of Physics "E. R. Caianiello", University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.
Divisione di Otorinolaringoiatria, Ospedale “S. Leonardo”-A.S.L. NA 3 sud, Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/ns.2014.610068                

Abstract

Air flow in nose and sinuses is studied by means of a simple model based on the steady-state ideal fluid flow assumption and repeated use of Bernoulli’s equation. In particular, by describing flow of air drawn in through the vestibulumnasi during inspiration, we investigate how ventilation of the maxillary sinus is affected by surgical removal of part of the lateral walls of the nasal cavity close to the ostiummeatal complex. We find that, according to the model proposed, removal of tissues from this inner part of the nasal cavity may cause a decrease of the flux rate from the maxillary sinus.

Keywords

Air Flow Model, Nose and Sinus, Bernoulli's Equation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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