Physical Conditions Prevailing in the Nasal and Maxillary Sinus Cavities Based on Numerical Simulation.

Background and

Objectives

This paper presents a unique study that links the physical conditions in the nasal passage with conditions that favour the development of bacterial strains and the colonization of the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses. The physical parameters considered were air flow, pressure, humidity, and temperature. Materials and

Methods

Numerical models of the human nose and maxillary sinus were retrospectively reconstructed from CT images of generally healthy young subjects. The state-of-the-art numerical methods and tools were then used to determine the temperature, humidity, airflow velocity, and pressure at specific anatomical locations.

Results

The results were compared with optimal conditions for bacterial growth in the nose and sinuses.

Conclusions

Temperature, humidity, air velocity, and pressure were shown to play critical roles in the selection and distribution of microorganisms. Furthermore, certain combinations of physical parameters can favour mucosal colonisation by various strains of bacteria.