Nose and Sinus Air Flow Model

Air flow in nose and sinuses is studied by means of a simple model based on the steady-state ideal fluid flow assumption and repeated use of Bernoulli’s equation. In particular, by describing flow of air drawn in through the vestibulumnasi during inspiration, we investigate how ventilation of the maxillary sinus is affected by surgical removal of part of the lateral walls of the nasal cavity close to the ostiummeatal complex. We find that, according to the model proposed, removal of tissues from this inner part of the nasal cavity may cause a decrease of the flux rate from the maxillary sinus.