Theoretical considerations of nasal airflow mechanics and surgical implications.

A mathematical model relating nasal airflow and pressure, using Bernoulli's equation applied to flow through the nasal valve region, has been shown to give values of resistance which correlate well with those measured experimentally. It is concluded that the nasal valve is the primary location for nasal resistance and that the nasal vault contributes a negligible amount to the total transnasal pressure drop. Flow limitation is predicted in the model by incorporation of a term describing nasal valve stiffness. The interrelationship of the alar wing and nasal valve are demonstrated and the model is discussed in terms of aiding the understanding of normal airflow physiology and what implications this may have for septal spur surgery.