The influence of the normal turbinate mucosa on nasal airflow.

In an attempt to determine the influence of the turbinate mucosa on nasal airflow resistance, we measured the nasal resistances in seven patients who had no lateral walls on one side of their nasal cavities because of unilateral operative removal of maxillary tumors. We compared resistances on the operated side with the normal unoperated side. No significant differences were found either on inspiration or expiration. Additionally, no significant influence of the turbinate mucosa on nasal airflow resistance was detected in sitting subjects.