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Nasal resistance in obstructive sleep apnea
M Atkins1, V Taskar, N Clayton
1Department of Respiratory Physiology, North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, England.
Chest
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic nasal resistance is not a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study found no correlation between nasal resistance and OSA severity, suggesting other factors are more influential.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Increased nasal resistance can lead to upper airway occlusion in susceptible individuals.
- The role of chronic nasal resistance in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathophysiology is not well understood, especially given the limitations of nasal surgery alone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic nasal resistance and the development or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Main Methods:
- Seventy-one patients with OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 15) and 70 antisocial snorers (ASS, AHI < 15) underwent anterior rhinomanometry.
- Combined nasal resistance (CNR) and highest unilateral nasal resistance (HUNR) were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was found in combined nasal resistance (CNR) between the OSA and ASS groups.
- Neither CNR nor highest unilateral nasal resistance (HUNR) correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in either group.
- Abnormally elevated CNR was found in 0.5 < p < 0.75 of participants, and increased HUNR in 0.25 < p < 0.5.
Conclusions:
- Chronic nasal resistance is not a significant risk factor for the development or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Findings suggest that factors other than chronic nasal resistance play a more critical role in OSA pathophysiology.