Human respiratory airflow through an artificial nasal model: pressure/flow relationship.

Nasal airflow and differential pressure at peak flow were measured by Rhinorheograph MPR-1100 made by Nihon Kohden Co., Ltd. with human resting respiratory airflow through an artificial nasal model. In the healthy nasal model, it was assumed that nasal resistance was produced mainly in the vicinity of the pyriform aperture. Reduction of air space in the nasal model due to various simulated diseases led to decrease airflow and increased differential pressure with consequent increase of nasal resistance. Severe diffuse swelling of the inferior turbinate was the most important cause of marked elevation of resistance, nasal secretion also was an important factor which increased nasal resistance.