Nasal Airflow Research Articles

Assessment of Functional Outcomes of an Autospreader Flap and Spreader Graft in Rhinoplasty.

Nasal obstruction after rhinoplasty occurs due to narrowing of the internal nasal valve. Narrowing is due to osteotomy performed to close the open roof of nose after dorsum hump resection. Spreader grafts and autospreader flaps are used to prevent such narrowing. in this study, we aimed to compare the effects of these 2 rhinoplasty techniques on olfactory function, nasal air passage opening, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. In this prospective study, 48 rhinoplasty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups according to graft technique used, either spreader graft or autospreader flap. These 2 groups were compared for patient satisfaction. The sinonasal outcome test-22, peak nasal flowmetry, and Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test were applied to all patients before and 8 weeks after surgery. The study enrolled 48 patients. Nasal airflow increased in both groups postoperatively. in the preoperative and postoperative comparison of odor functions, postoperative odor functions were similar in both groups. In the autospreader flap group, the preoperative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation questionnaire score was 4.1 ± 2.2 versus 21.3 ± 2.6 in the third postoperative month. The preoperative rhinoplasty outcome evaluation score was 3.9 ± 2.1 in the spreader graft group and 19.7 ± 1.9 in the third postoperative month. In the present study, postoperative nasal airflow improved in the patients in both the spreader graft and autospreader flap groups. in the patient satisfaction surveys after rhinoplasty, the satisfaction of the patients in the autospreader flap group was higher than that of the patients in the spreader graft group.

Nasal Airflow Changes After Targeted Nasal and Sinus Surgery in Children

Nasal Airflow Changes After Targeted Nasal and Sinus Surgery in Children

A preliminary study on the effect of breathing on heart rate and blood pressure variability in patients with chronic diseases with abnormal sleep breathing

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between heart rate and blood pressure variability and respiration in patients with chronic respiratory disorders during night sleep.Methods16 patients with chronic diseases with abnormal sleep and respiration were included. Polysomnography was used to analyze the R‐R interval of nasal airflow electrocardiogram in normal stable breathing period and wave breathing period (OB) during nighttime sleep, and the variation of blood pressure based on finger‐tip photoelectric volume pulse wave (PPG) and pulse wave conduction time (PTT).The ResultsThe ratio of the number of respiratory cycles to the number of heart rate variability cycles (B‐n / HRV‐n) was (1.00 ± 0.04), to the number of systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability cycles (B‐n / SBPV‐n) was (1.02 ± 0.10), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) variability cycles (B‐n / DBPV‐B‐n) was (1.00 ± 0.11), The ratio of respiratory cycle number to heart rate variability cycle number (OB‐n / OB‐HRV‐n) during OB was (1.22 ± 0.18). The ratio of respiratory cycle number to systolic blood pressure variation cycle number (OB‐n / OB‐SBPV‐n) was (1.19 ± 0.22), and DBP(OB‐n / OB‐DBPV‐n) was (1.15 ± 0.15), both of which were higher than those in normal stable breathing period (P < 0.01). During the normal and stable breathing period, the average amplitude of heart rate variability (HRV‐B‐M) of each respiratory cycle rhythm was (2.64 ± 1.59) bpm, the average amplitude of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV‐B‐M) of each respiratory cycle rhythm was (2.83 ± 1.22) mmhg, and diastolic blood pressure variability (DBPV‐B‐M) was (2.40 ± 0.86) mmhg, which were slightly higher than those of the normal people, but there was no significant difference compared with the normal people and hypertensive patients without sleep apnea. The mean amplitude of heart rate variability (OB‐HRV‐B‐M) at each respiratory cycle rhythm in OB period was (3.56 ± 1.57) bpm, the mean amplitude of heart rate variability (OB‐HRV‐OB‐M) at each OB period was (13.75 ± 4.25) bpm, The average amplitude of diastolic blood pressure variability (OB‐DBPV‐B‐M) was (2.82 ± 1.95) mmhg, which was higher than that in normal stable respiratory period. The difference between OB‐SBPV‐B‐M and normal stable respiratory systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV‐B‐M) was significant. The variation range of systolic blood pressure (OB‐SBPV‐OB‐M) in each OB cycle was (16.83 ± 9.29) mmhg, which was much larger than that of OB‐SBPV‐B‐M and SBPV‐B‐M (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe variations of blood pressure and heart rate in patients with chronic respiratory disorders during normal and stable breathing at night are similar to those in normal people and hypertensive patients without sleep respiratory disorders in the same period in our laboratory, The variation amplitude of heart rate and blood pressure in wavy breathing period was greater than that in normal and stable breathing period .confirming that the variation of heart rate and blood pressure was respiratory origin.

Computational assessment of the nasal air conditioning and paranasal sinus ventilation from nasal assisted breathing therapy

Nasal cannula oxygen therapy is a common treatment option for patients with respiratory failure but needs further investigation to understand its potential for use for assisted breathing. Air with a high oxygen level is introduced into the nasal cavity using a nasal cannula during assisted breathing via oxygen therapy. The treatment impacts the nasal airflow dynamics and air-conditioning function. This study aims to investigate the nasal heat and mass transfer and sinus ventilation during assisted breathing at different operating conditions using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The nasal geometry was reconstructed from high-resolution computed tomography scans of a healthy subject. A constant inhalation flow rate of 15 LPM (liters per minute) was used, and the nasal cannula flow rate was set to between 5 and 15 LPM. The results demonstrated that assisted breathing at a high flow rate impacted sinus ventilation. It also changed the mucosal surface heat and mass transfer, thus inhaled air temperature and humidity. The high flow assisted breathing at 36 °C affected the nasal heat flux the most compared with other breathing conditions, while the low flow assisted breathing had minimal effect and, therefore, could be considered ineffective for any relevant treatment.

Correlation between nasal mucosal temperature change and nasal airflow perception

The mechanism of nasal airflow perception remains little known. It is currently believed that the main mechanism for perceiving nasal patency is to activate transient receptor potential melastatin subtype 8. Computer fluent dynamics show that increased airflow and heat flux are associated with higher subjective scores. Similarly, physical measurements of the nasal cavity using a temperature probe show a correlation between the lower nasal mucosa temperature and better results. Trigeminal function detection also indirectly confirms this. This literature review aimed to explore the role of nasal mucosal temperature change in the subjective perception of nasal patency and the secondary aim was to appraise the relevant evidence about the mechanism.

A Preliminary Report on the Variation of Respiratory Blood Pressure during Sleep in Normal Subjects

ObjectiveBased on the new theory of holistic integrative physiology and medicine, we hypothesize that respiration is the origin of the variability of circulatory parameters, and initially verify this view by analyzing the relationship between blood pressure variability and respiration.MethodsThis study analyzed 8 normal subjects (NS) with no disease diagnosis who performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), polysomnography (PSG), continuous fingertip pulse wave and electrocardiogram (ECG), and analyzed the correlation between the respiratory cycle of nasal airflow and blood pressure variation cycle during sleep. The respiratory cycle included complete inhalation and subsequent exhalation. Analysis and calculation of the number of breathing cycles (B‐n), average breathing cycle time (Bn‐T) and other parameters. Blood pressure variability is calculated using two different methods: fingertip pulse wave waveform and pulse transit time (PTT). The peak of the fingertip pulse wave represents the systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the end point represents the diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The values of the peak and end points are extracted separately and sorted separately. Continuous blood pressure rises from lowest to highest at a time, then dropped from highest to lowest, as a blood pressure variation cycle, calculation of blood pressure variation cycle (BPV‐n), and other parameters. PTT can directly calculate the blood pressure value, and it calculates the blood pressure variability in the same way as the fingertip pulse wave. To compare the relationship between respiratory and blood pressure variability parameters and the similarities and differences between the two methods, independent‐sample t test and paired‐sample t test were used for statistical test.ResultsThe subject's apnea hypopnea index was 1.71±1.30 events/hour. Pulse wave waveform calculation Bn (6581.63±1411.90), SBPV‐n (6629.88±1479.84) and DBPV‐n (6628.38±1396.37) are highly consistent during sleep. Bn/SBPV‐n (1.00±0.03) and Bn/DBPV‐n (0.99±0.02) is close to 1 (P>0.05); Bn‐T (4.19±0.57 s), average systolic blood pressure variation cycle time (4.17±0.63 s) and average diastolic blood pressure variation cycle time (4.16±0.60 s) basically the same (P>0.05). SBPV‐n (3988.38±1701.93) and DBPV‐n (886.63±176.86) calculated by PTT during sleep were significantly lower than the calculated values of pulse wave waveform (P<0.01).ConclusionNormal subjects’ blood pressure variability during sleep is very similar to respiration, and the initiating factor of blood pressure variability is respiration.

Use of Septal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty to Correct Nasal Deformity After Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery.

BackgroundThe most common facial defect is the congenital cleft lip (CL), which can occur with or without a cleft palate (CP). Patients need primary plastic surgery for rehabilitation and esthetics; nevertheless, secondary abnormalities of the lip and nose may develop after primary surgery. These deformities are complex and involve all tissue layers, including the skeletal platform, inner lining, osseocartilaginous structure, and overlying skin. This study evaluated the results of nasal deformity rhinoplasty using septal cartilage in patients with nasal deformities after plastic surgery for unilateral CL and CP.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on 21 patients with secondary unilateral CL nasal deformity between June 2015 and August 2016. All patients underwent rhinoplasty with the use of septal cartilage grafts. Pre- and post-operative nasal forms were measured.ResultsThe patients had cosmetic problems and impaired nasal airflow due to distorted anatomy. The postoperative nasal forms were improved in all patients. Rhinoplasty using septal cartilage effectively increased the height of the columella and nose and improved the balance of the base width and the length of both sides of the nose. Excellent results were achieved in 18 patients. Three patients showed good results. No patient showed a fair result.ConclusionThis study demonstrated an effective correction of esthetic deformities and significant improvement in airway patency. A long-term longitudinal study is still required to evaluate the influence of septal cartilage harvesting on face and nasal development until children reach their late teens.

A custom nasal obturator for velopharyngeal dysfunction: A dental technique

Removable nasal obturators provide a treatment option for a range of patients presenting with velopharyngeal dysfunction without eliminating the possibility for future surgery, speech therapy, or the provision of other devices. The presented technique describes the fabrication of a 1-piece silicone nasal obturator to reduce hypernasality and nasal airflow errors without causing significant hyponasality. The obturator has minimal visibility and minimal risk of inhalation.

Computational fluid dynamics assessed changes of nasal airflow after inferior turbinate surgery

ObjectiveTo demonstrate how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations can reveal important airflow changes in the nasal cavities due to surgical interventions. Material and methodsThe steady inspiratory airflow of eight patients was studied pre- and postoperatively with heat transfer from the mucous membrane by performing CFD calculations to patient specific cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Eight patients with the largest distance from pre- and postoperative mean changes in inferior turbinate volumetry and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) results were selected. ResultsCalculated CFD heat transfer results from the anterior parts of the inferior turbinates, where surgical interventions were performed, decreased significantly. The heat transfer results were in line with VAS changes. ConclusionSurgical interventions reduced heat transfer in the operated parts of the inferior turbinates and were in line with VAS changes. CFD is an option in assessing patient well-being as a function of airflow parameters from mucous membrane with larger data sets. The limitations of the study were the small sample size and the preliminary nature of the study.

Effect of the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre on olfaction and quality of life after laryngectomy.

To assess the effectiveness of the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre or 'polite yawn' technique in improving olfaction and quality of life in laryngectomised patients. Using a prospective study design, 42 patients scheduled to undergo laryngectomy at a tertiary care centre were subjected to olfaction testing before surgery and two weeks following the surgery. The nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre was taught, and the olfaction test was repeated with the patient performing the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre. Quality of life was assessed using the Appetite, Hunger and Sensory Perception questionnaire with calculation of scores after the patient had learnt the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre. There was a significant reduction in the composite olfaction score, from a mean (standard deviation) baseline value of 4.01 (1.39) to 0.44 (0.51), two weeks after surgery (p < 0.001). After practising the nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre, the olfaction scores increased to 3.05 (1.32) (p < 0.001). Appetite, Hunger and Sensory Perception questionnaire scores ranged from 52 to 110 (normal range, 29-145), suggesting an improvement in the quality of life of patients. The nasal airflow inducing manoeuvre, an inexpensive, simple, patient-friendly manoeuvre, can be used in the olfaction rehabilitation of patients undergoing laryngectomy.

Effect of nasal airflow on respiratory pattern variability in rats

Effect of nasal airflow on respiratory pattern variability in rats

The application of polyethylene glycol-coated collagen patches in nasal surgery.

Nasal packing is a significant factor of postoperative morbidity that affects quality of recovery following nasal surgery. The polyethylene glycol-coated (PEG) collagen patch (Hemopatch® ) is a synthetic hemostatic agent with a dual mechanism of action, but whether it can be applied in nasal surgery remains unexplored. The postoperative symptoms of thick nasal discharge, loss of smell, headache, postnasal discharge, ear fullness and lack of good night's sleep in patients with Hemopatch are minimal after surgery. The total nasal resistance at postoperative day 1 (0.224 Pa/cm3) is lower than the preoperative total nasal resistance (0.412 Pa/cm3), indicating that the nasal air flow increases after surgery in patients using Hemopatch at postoperative day 1. This is the first report to demonstrate that Hemopatch is an alternative nasal packing to reduce the postoperative morbidity after nasal surgery.

A comparison between sniffing and blowing for olfactory testing before and after laryngectomy.

Olfactory dysfunction occurs after laryngectomy due to the loss of nasal airflow and inability to sniff. However, the reason for the loss of olfactory function after laryngectomy is unclear on evaluation with sniffing type tests performed individually. It is expected that the sensorineural olfaction remains, and the results of the sniffing test would be negative, while that of the odour-blowing test would be positive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate both tests and prove normal olfaction in the patients. Patients who had undergone laryngectomy were evaluated using the T&T olfactometer for odour-sniffing tests, Jet Stream Olfactometer (JSO) for odour-blowing tests, and visual analogue scale (VAS). Evaluations were performed pre-operatively, and 1month, 6months, and 1-year post-laryngectomy. Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The median recognition thresholds using the T&T and JSO were 1.4 and 2.2 before surgery, 5.8 and 5.4 at 1month, 5.8 and 5.2 at 6months, and 5.8 and 5.0 at 1 year after surgery, respectively. Results of the olfactory threshold test in both T&T and JSO and VAS score were significantly worse after surgery compared to that before laryngectomy (p < 0.05). The degree of increase was significantly smaller with JSO than with T&T (p < 0.05). While we could not prove normal olfaction in patients after laryngectomy, the odour-blowing test was superior to the odour-sniffing test in detecting patients with residual olfaction. Simply blowing a scent is insufficient to obtain good olfaction; active airflow is crucial for recognizing odours.

Effect of treatments for head and neck cancer on sinus shadow on computed tomography

ObjectiveHead and neck surgeries may cause changes in the nasal airflow, and radiotherapy irreversibly damages paranasal sinus epithelial cells. Some chemotherapeutic drugs have been reported to negatively affect airway ciliary activity in mice, and chronic rhinosinusitis could be an adverse effect of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. To evaluate whether HNC treatment is a risk factor for developing sinonasal mucosal thickening that may reflect paranasal sinus inflammation, we compared pre- and post-treatment paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) images of patients treated for HNC at a single university hospital. MethodsThe patients who received curative treatment for HNC (oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers) and started receiving first-line therapy between January 2015 and December 2019 were included. Data on age, sex, primary lesion, clinical stage, treatment, smoking history, drinking history, comorbidities (diabetes and chronic lung disease), and pre- and post-treatment (three months and one year after the final treatment) paranasal sinus CT images were analyzed from medical records. Pre- and post-treatment paranasal sinus CT images were scored using the Lund–Mackay (LM) staging system. ResultsIn total, 245 patients participated in this study. Three months after the final treatment, 80.4% of patients had no change in their total LM scores (p=0.621). Almost 80% of patients who underwent total laryngectomy also had no change in their total LM scores (p=0.833). One-third of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) had worse LM scores after treatment (5/15), although no significant difference was observed (p=0.171). None of the various factors collected were significantly related to changes in LM scores three months after the completion of treatment. One year after the final treatment, 211 patients were included and no significant changes in the pre-and post-LM scores were observed in the same analyses, while changes in LM scores were significantly different between T categories (T1-2 vs. T3-4) (p=0.020). ConclusionWe found no significant changes in the LM scores after HNC treatment in all the patients, which implies that HNC treatment may not be an apparent risk factor for sinonasal mucosal inflammation.

The nasal cycle before and after nasal septoplasty.

Septoplasty is one of the most frequently performed operations in patients with septal deviation of the nose. The aim of this surgical intervention is to reduce nasal obstruction and to achieve a physiological nasal breathing. The nasal cycle plays a crucial role in this. The aim of this study was to investigate nasal breathing and the nasal cycle after septoplasty over a long period of time and under everyday conditions. We examined 22 healthy subjects and 19 patients with nasal septal deviation. They participated in two sessions separated by an interval of three months. Shortly after the first session patients received nasal septoplasty. Testing included multiple questionnaires regarding nasal breathing and olfactory function, anterior rhinoscopy, rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and long-term rhinoflowmetry over 24h. Nasal septoplasty was associated with subjectively improved nasal breathing and nasal patency comparable to that in healthy subjects. The severity of nasal obstruction was reduced. Nasal airflow and the hydraulic diameter increased on the deviated side of the nose while the inspiratory resistance did not significantly change. In addition, the number of phases of the nasal cycle decreased on the nondeviated side. Hence, the surgery was associated with a more even distribution of phases on both sides of the nose. Nasal septoplasty leads to a subjectively satisfactory result in patients with pathological septal deviation of the nose. In particular, septoplasty appears to be accompanied by a more even distribution of the nasal cycle across the two nasal cavities.

Nasal Function and Evaluation

The nose is located within the central portion of the craniofacial skeleton and serves many important functions for human respiration and overall well-being. These functions include warming, humidifying and delivering air to the lower respiratory tract as well as conveyance of odorants to the olfactory epithelium and removal of particulate debris. In addition, the nose is physiologically dynamic with a rich neurovascular supply and hosts a variety of immunologic mediators. Several anatomic factors and disease states can affect these functions, therefore, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the nose and nasal cavity are required for the evaluating otolaryngologist. This review contains 9 figures, 5 tables, and 43 references Keywords: Nasal function, nasal anatomy, nasal airflow, nasal resistance, nasal endoscopy

Rhinitis and sinusitis in the older population and its association with elderly asthma

Abstract OBJECTIVES. As a person ages, the mucosal epithelium degenerates over time and the elderly often have complications due to dehydration. Nasal airflow decreases and nasal airway resistance increases. In this review, we discuss the relationship of rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The literature survey was performed using the search engines PubMed, Google, Proquest Central, and EBSCO at the Kırıkkale University Library. RESULTS. With the aging process, allergic rhinitis decreases, whereas non-allergic rhinitis, such as drug-induced rhinitis can be observed more. Atrophic rhinitis is often seen in the elderly. Patients with geriatric rhinitis typically complain of constant sinus drainage problems, which may cause sinusitis. In addition, asthma prevalence has also been shown to be higher in elderly patients. Concurrent upper (rhinitis) and lower (asthma) respiratory tract symptoms are defined as Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome. CONCLUSION. Rhinitis and asthma as well as sinusitis and asthma may be present in elderly patients. The incidence of allergic rhinitis has been shown to decrease with age. To achieve good results from treatment, the concurrent rhinitis and asthma as well as sinusitis and asthma should be kept in mind in elderly patients.

Better speech outcomes after very early palatal repair?—A longitudinal case-control study in Ugandan children with cleft palate

IntroductionChildren born with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) tend to use less oral pressure consonants and more glottal sounds in their babbling. The purpose of very early palatal repair (i.e., one-stage palatal closure prior to 6 months of age) is to make the palate functional before the onset of speech acquisition to reduce the anchoring of wrong patterns in the child's developing phonological system. As a result, less compensatory articulation errors are expected to be present. Currently, no detailed longitudinal speech outcomes after very early palatal closure are available. This study aimed to provide longitudinal speech outcomes in Ugandan children with CP±L who received palatal closure prior to the age of 6 months. MethodsTen children with CP±L were assessed at a mean age of 5 and 10 years old. Speech understandability, speech acceptability, resonance, nasal airflow and articulation were perceptually rated by two experienced speech-language pathologists. Velopharyngeal function was estimated using the velopharyngeal composite score (VPC-sum). Information regarding speech therapy, fistula rate, and secondary (speech) surgery was collected. The outcomes were compared with the longitudinal outcomes of an age- and gender-matched control group of 10 Ugandan children without CP±L. ResultsSpeech understandability and acceptability improved significantly over time in the group with CP±L (all p's ≤ 0.05, all Z's > −2.43). At both test dates, significantly worse judgments were found for the group with CP±L compared to the control group for these variables and variables related to passive speech errors (all p's ≤ 0.05, all Z's > 2.49). A statistically significant difference with the control group was found for the presence of compensatory articulation errors at the age of 5 years but not at the age of 10 years, indicating a catch up by the children with CP±L. ConclusionWhether a one-stage palatal closure prior to the age of 6 months is more favorable for speech outcomes compared to one-stage palatal closure at 12 months is still not clear. Speech of the children with CP±L improved over time, but significantly differed from the control group at the age of 5 and 10 years old. Limited access to health care facilities and possible influence of malnutrition on wound healing need to be considered when interpreting the results. Whether palatal closure prior to the age of 6 months is transferable to other countries is subject for further research, including both longitudinal and prospective designs with larger samples.

The Shape of the Nasal Cavity and Adaptations to Sniffing in the Dog (Canis familiaris) Compared to Other Domesticated Mammals: A Review Article.

Simple SummaryModern dogs are the most morphologically diverse group of mammals. Numerous studies have shown that dogs and their olfactory abilities are of great importance to humans. It was found that the changes within the skull have had a significant impact on the structure of the initial sections of the respiratory system, including the turbinates of the nasal passages. Congenital defects, defined as brachycephalic syndrome, are currently a significant problem in dog breeding as they can affect animal welfare and even lead to death; therefore this manuscript also focuses on this topic. After identifying the subject, we believe that further characteristics of the nasal turbinates and in-depth research related to their hypertrophy are needed. The study also summarized the state of knowledge about the structure of the respiratory system and nasal cavity in dogs compared to other species of domestic animals.Dogs are a good starting point for the description and anatomical analysis of turbinates of the nose. This work aimed at summing up the state of knowledge on the shape of the nasal cavity and airflow in these domestic animals and dealt with the brachycephalic syndrome (BOAS) and anatomical changes in the initial airway area in dogs with a short and widened skull. As a result of artificial selection and breeding concepts, the dog population grew very quickly. Modern dog breeds are characterized by a great variety of their anatomical shape. Craniological changes also had a significant impact on the structure and physiology of the respiratory system in mammals. The shape of the nasal cavity is particularly distinctive in dogs. Numerous studies have established that dogs and their olfactory ability are of great importance in searching for lost people, detecting explosives or drugs as well as signaling disease in the human body. The manuscript describes the structure of the initial part of the respiratory system, including the nasal turbinates, and compares representatives of various animal species. It provides information on the anatomy of brachycephalic dogs and BOAS. The studies suggest that further characterization and studies of nasal turbinates and their hypertrophy are important.

Rapid Maxillary Expansion Has a Beneficial Effect on the Ventilation in Children With Nasal Septal Deviation: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study.

Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is one of the most common nasal diseases. Different from common clinical examination methods, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide visual flow information of the nasal cavity. The dimension and volume of the nasal cavity are easily affected by rapid maxillary expansion (RME). The purpose of this study was to use CFD to evaluate the effect of RME on the aerodynamics of the nasal cavity in children with maxillary transverse deficiency and NSD. Computational fluid dynamics was implemented after 3D reconstruction based on the CBCT of 15 children who have completed RME treatment. After treatment, the volume increases in the nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx were not statistically significant. The wall shear stress of the nasal cavity after RME, 1.749 ± 0.673 Pa, was significantly lower than that before RME, 2.684 ± 0.919 Pa. Meanwhile, the maximal negative pressure in the pharyngeal airway during inspiration was smaller after RME (−31.058 Pa) than before (−48.204 Pa). This study suggests that RME has a beneficial effect on nasal ventilation. The nasal airflow became more symmetrical in the bilateral nasal cavity after RME. Pharyngeal resistance decreased with the reduction in nasal resistance and the increase in the volume of oropharynx after RME.