Nasorespiratory Function and Craniofacial Morphology-A Review of the Surgical Management of the Upper Airway

摘要

Associations that are said to exist between the predominant respiratory mode and craniofacial morphology were explored during the past century and they are, once again, being hotly debated in numerous articles that can be found in a variety of scientific and other publications. Experimental evidence suggests that altered muscular function can influence craniofacial morphology. There have been many attempts to establish a cause-effect relationship between chronic nasal allergy, breathing pattern, and the growth and development of the craniofacial complex. The purpose of this article is to review some of the literature related to the possible cause-effect relationships between respiratory mode, craniofacial morphology, and mal-occlusion. In addition, this article will review several of the most common surgical procedures that are used in the management of pharyngeal airway problems.