Clinical Nasal Obstruction and Objective Respiratory Mode Determination

Abstract

Nasal obstruction represents a considerable portion of the symptoms addressed by the otolaryngologist. It has received widespread interest in the orthodontic literature as well, because of the presumed relation between nasal obstruction and facial growth, especially vertical maxillary excess. The range of normal variation in oral versus nasal breathing has not been defined. This study attempted to correlate patient symptoms with respiratory mode. A sample of 20 symptomatic adult subjects presenting with nasal obstruction was compared to a control sample of 20 asymptomatic adults by means of SNORT (Simultaneous Nasal and Oral Respirometric Technique). Nasal resistance was significantly different between the two groups, but percent nasality (that proportion of the total volume of air breathed nasally) was a more consistent and significant finding. The relevance of these results to both clinical and basic physiology is discussed.

Long-Term Histologic Changes in Nasal Mucosa after Total Laryngectomy

“…Due to reduction of blood flow, changes in mucociliary transport and deteriorated sense of smell and taste have been previously reported [6, 7]. With the observed histological findings some functional changes also occurred in our patients such as dryness in the nose, smelling, and taste problems.…”

“…There is a potential relationship between the histological changes in nasal mucosa and the qualitative/quantitative changes in nasal dysfunction in laryngectomized patients. Due to reduction of blood flow, changes in mucociliary transport and deteriorated sense of smell and taste have been previously reported [ 6 , 7 ]. With the observed histological findings some functional changes also occurred in our patients such as dryness in the nose, smelling, and taste problems.…”

“…The nasal mucosa was found to become thinner, and its color was observed to be changed over time [ 2 – 5 ]. Reduction of blood flow, deteriorated sense of smell and taste, changes in mucociliary transport and nasal flora are the other alterations [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Effect of Naso-respiratory Obstruction with Mouth Breathing on Dentofacial and Craniofacial Development

“…[17][18][19] In the vertical dimension, posterior and anterior facial stimulating increased vertical growth of anterior portion of the face relative to posterior portion of the face. 5 In the lateral dimension, there was narrowing of the upper and lower dental arches in mouth breathers group compared to control group.…”

“…3,4 Chronic nasal obstruction leads to mouth breathing, resulting in an anterior or lower position of the tongue, incompetent lips, lowered position of the mandible, and decreased orofacial muscle tonicity to compensate for decreased nasal airflow and facilitate respiration. [5][6][7][8] Hence, there is disharmony in growth and development of orofacial Dr Swati Saraswata Acharya, 1 Dr Lipika Mali, 2 Dr Abhik Sinha, 3 Dr Smruti Bhusan Nanda 4 structures, narrowing of maxilla, underdevelopment of mandible, alterations in the position of head in relation to the neck, protrusion of maxillary incisors, and distal position of mandible in relation to maxilla. 9 Mouth breathing has a multifactorial etiology which varies from anatomical obstruction like palatine and pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy, nasal polyp, septal deviation, allergic rhinitis, nasal turbinate hypertrophy and deleterious oral habits that might deform the dental arch and alter facial harmony depending on intensity, duration and frequency of such habits.…”