Chronic Rhinitis Treatment: Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe coexistence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and chronic rhinitis, two very frequent entities with different relevance in terms of morbidity and mortality in general population, is well-known. This review summarizes the relationship of both, and how different treatments for chronic rhinitis can contribute significantly to the management of OSA. The connection between nasal inflammation and continuous positive airway pressure is also characterized.Recent FindingsNasal tolerance to Continous Airway Positive Pressure (CPAP) is sometimes problematic, and the occurrence of nasal irritation may lead to the abandonement of a useful alternative; however, it has been demonstrated through local biomarker measurements, improvement in the inflammation characteristic of chronic rhinitis, after the sustained use of CPAP. The biological markers that explain systemic inflammation in OSA (IL-1, IL-6, TNF α), are related to the development and perpetuation of rhinitis [1•,2••].Among the rhinitis treatments that improve OSA, nasal corticosteroids should be mentioned in first place, with proven efficacy, especially in the group affected by allergic rinitis, with improvement in the quality of life but not in the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI). Allergic rhinitis is associated with high house dust mites ’ concentrations in the CPAP filters [3] and the addition of nasal steroids improves the associated symptoms. Leukotriene receptor antagonists reduce inflam...

Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - June 2, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research