Biophysics of Nasal Airflow: a Review

An account is given of the constituents of the flow resistive nasal valve, their aerodynamic function, and the essential role they play in processing inspiratory air. The relatively fixed structural component and the variable mucovascular components of the lateral and medial nasal walls are described, and particular attention is drawn to the septal mucovascular component because its existence is not universally recognized. Common sources of error in subjective and objective assessments of obstruction to nasal respiratory airflow are discussed. Comments are presented advocating limitations of surgical interference in the treatment of mucosal and structural nasal airway obstruction.