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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling as an Objective Analytical Tool for Nasal/Upper Airway Breathing

  • RHINOLOGY: Nasal Obstruction (JV Nayak, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a rare yet debilitating disease that has been associated with aggressive removal of the inferior turbinate region in which patients report paradoxical symptoms of nasal obstruction and suffocation. The purpose of this review is to identify the mechanisms driving symptoms of ENS in patients to better alleviate them.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have shown that patients with ENS have a characteristic “jet stream” of air that flows through the middle meatus when compared to healthy controls who have a dispersed pattern of airflow through all three meatae.

Summary

Here, we found that the combination of altered nasal aerodynamics may contribute to a decrease in mucosal sensory function. This suggests that while ENS patients are inspiring comparable volumes of air compared to others, it is not being detected and communicated to the brain becoming interpreted as the symptoms of obstruction. Future research targeting how to improve sensory function by restoring airflow patterns should be considered to improve the efficacy of treatment for patients with ENS.

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Funding

National institutes of health, R21 DC017530, Kai Zhao, NIDCD R01 DC013626, Kai Zhao.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Jennifer Malik, Bradley A. Otto & Kai Zhao

Authors
  1. Jennifer Malik
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  2. Bradley A. Otto
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  3. Kai Zhao
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kai Zhao.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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This review article does not contain any new studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Malik, J., Otto, B.A. & Zhao, K. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling as an Objective Analytical Tool for Nasal/Upper Airway Breathing. Curr Otorhinolaryngol Rep 10, 116–120 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-021-00387-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40136-021-00387-x

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