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. 2010:9:Doc07.
doi: 10.3205/cto000071. Epub 2011 Apr 27.

Physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory mucosa of the nose and the paranasal sinuses

Achim G Beule  1
Affiliations

Physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory mucosa of the nose and the paranasal sinuses

Achim G Beule. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010.

Abstract

In this review, anatomy and physiology of the respiratory mucosa of nose and paranasal sinuses are summarized under the aspect of its clinical significance. Basics of endonasal cleaning including mucociliary clearance and nasal reflexes, as well as defence mechanisms are explained. Physiological wound healing, aspects of endonasal topical medical therapy and typical diagnostic procedures to evaluate the respiratory functions are presented. Finally, the pathophysiologies of different subtypes of non-allergic rhinitis are outlined together with treatment recommendations.

Keywords: mucociliary clearance; nasal cycle; non-allergic rhinitis; pathophysiology; physiology.

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Figures

Table 1
Table 1. Concentration of ions in the nasal mucus [36]
Table 2
Table 2. Normal microbiological findings in the nose of adults
Table 3
Table 3. Normal microbiological findings in the nose of children
Table 4
Table 4. Classification of unilateral nasal obstruction using rhinomanometry [114]
Table 5
Table 5. Classification of unilateral nasal obstruction using rhinoresistometry [114]
Table 6
Table 6. Typical indication, group of drugs and ingredients, which may trigger a drug-induced rhinitis (modified [254, 260, 263, 266])
Figure 1
Figure 1. Schematic drawing of the ciliary stroke in nasal mucus (modified by [10])
Figure 2
Figure 2. Influencing factors on the mode of action of topically applied endonasal medication
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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