Nasal obstruction: an alternative to ostiomeatal complex dysfunction in sinus disease

OBJECTIVES: Ostial patency is thought to be essential to the function of the maxillary sinus. Ostiomeatal complex dysfunction has been implicated as a major factor in the pathogenesis of sinus disease. However, recent work in our laboratory has indicated that other factors may also contribute to this process. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nasal obstruction in maxillary sinus gas composition, independent of its effect on ostial ventilation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective controlled animal study. METHOD: Independent models of nasal obstruction and ostial occlusion in contralateral sinuses were established. Ipsilateral models of nasal obstruction and ostial occlusion were also created. Gas samples from each of the manipulated sinuses were analyzed on a gas chromatogram and compared. RESULTS: Results revealed a dramatic and highly significant increase in antral carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the sinuses ipsilateral to either an occluded ostium or an obstructed nostril, compared with the controls. These effects on CO2 concentrations were additive when ipsilateral nasal obstruction and ostial occlusion were created. Furthermore, the effect of nasal obstruction in modulation of antral CO2 levels was found to be beyond its effect on hypoventilation of the sinus and to be independent of ostial functional status. CONCLUSIONS: We have established independent models of nasal obstruction and ostial occlusion in the same animal. Our findings suggest that ostiomeatal complex dysfunction might not be the sole underlying factor in the pathogenesis of sinus disease in all individuals. Integrity of nasal airflow seems to have a significant effect on the maintenance of the aerobic antral environment, essential to the maintenance of normal sinus function. Modulation of maxillary sinus gas composition by nasal airflow, independent of ostial patency, may be explained by the possible presence of flow-sensitive receptors in the upper respiratory tract mucosa. Work to identify such receptors is currently in progress.