The physiological mechanism for sensing nasal airflow: a literature review.

Title

The physiological mechanism for sensing nasal airflow: a literature review.

Creator

Sozansky Jeanie; Houser Steven M

Publisher

International forum of allergy & rhinology

Date

2014
2014-10

Description

BACKGROUND: Nasal obstruction is a common otolaryngologic complaint, yet the mechanism of sensing airflow is not commonly understood. The objective of this work was to review current knowledge on the physiological mechanism for sensing nasal airflow. METHODS: Current literature pertaining to nasal sensation to airflow was retrieved using PubMed and Google Scholar searches. RESULTS: The primary physiological mechanism that produces the sensation of ample nasal airflow is activation of trigeminal cool thermoreceptors, specifically transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8), by nasal mucosal cooling. The dynamic change in temperature is ultimately sensed. Nasal mucosal cooling is a result of conductive heat loss, driven by temperature gradient, and evaporative heat loss, driven by humidity gradient. The perception of ample nasal airflow is dependent on the overall nasal surface area stimulated by mucosal cooling, which is mainly governed by air flow patterns. Cool thermoreceptors in the nasal mucosa are connected to the respiratory centers and consequently can alter respiration patterns. Mechanoreceptors do not seem to play a role in sensing nasal airflow. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling could be a valuable objective tool in evaluating patients with nasal congestion. CONCLUSION: Understanding the physiological mechanism of how the nose senses airflow can aid in diagnosing the cause behind patient symptoms, which allows physicians to provide better treatment options for patients.

Subject

Body Temperature Regulation/physiology; computational fluid dynamics modeling; Computer Simulation; Humans; mucosal cooling; nasal airflow sensation; Nasal Cavity/*physiology; nasal congestion; Nasal Mucosa/*physiology; Nasal Obstruction/*physiopathology; Pulmonary Ventilation/physiology; TRPM8

Identifier

Rights

Article information provided for research and reference use only. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).

Pages

834–838

Issue

10

Volume

4

Citation

Sozansky Jeanie; Houser Steven M, “The physiological mechanism for sensing nasal airflow: a literature review.,” NEOMED Bibliography Database, accessed March 28, 2024, https://neomed.omeka.net/items/show/2958.