Nasal Obstruction and the Mechanics of Breathing: Physiologic Relationships and the Effects of Nasal Surgery

Abstract

OBSTRUCTION in the nasal passages has been shown to affect the mechanics of breathing.¹ It follows that pulmonary function may be related to the nose, and that the function of the nose is not that of a mere conduit for the lower respiratory tract. In a small series of patients with nasal obstruction, we found a decreased lung compliance and increased pulmonary resistance when measured during mouth respiration as well as through the nose. The basis of this relationship has not been established. This report deals with a critical study of this relationship, carried out on patients before and after surgical correction of nasal obstruction. Review of Literature Interrelationships between the nose and the bronchopulmonary system have been investigated by many physiologists and clinicians from the standpoint of air conditioning, aerodynamics, gas exchange, and reflex regulation of breathing. Through animal experiments and clinical observations a definite respiratory influence of