The effects of nasal breathing on the development of snoring and apnea

Abstract

Since the nose is the entrance gate of the upper airway, its stuffiness can contribute to sleep disturbance. The results of a number of case-control studies have shown that nasal congestion frequency associated with snoring and mild OSA. However, there is no strong correlation between the degree of nasal obstruction and the severity of OSA. Randomized controlled trials have shown that in patients with rhinitis, both allergic and non-allergic, the use of nasal steroids can improve sleep quality and may be useful for patients with mild OSA, but they themselves are not an adequate treatment. Surgical correction of nasal breathing disorders also reduces the apnea index and improves sleep quality.