The Nose and Nasal Breathing in Sleep Apnea

Assessment of the nose is critical in evaluating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because the nose plays an important role in the physiology of sleep by regulating nasal airway resistance and stimulating ventilation. Nasal obstruction is common in sleep apnea, contributes to OSA, and interferes with tolerance of OSA treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oral appliances. Medical treatment of nasal obstruction and rhinitis with nasal corticosteroid sprays is associated with improved OSA severity and sleep symptoms. Surgery for nasal obstruction, including septoplasty, turbinate reduction, rhinoplasty, and sinus surgery, improves OSA-related quality-of-life measures and CPAP tolerance.