Breathing pattern disorder in chronic rhinosinusitis with severe asthma: nasal obstruction and polyps do not increase prevalence.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with severe asthma are associated with breathing pattern disorder (BPD). Mouth breathing is a sign of breathing pattern disorder, and nose breathing a fundamental part of breathing pattern retraining for BPD. The prevalence of BPD in relation to CRS subtypes and the relationship of nasal obstruction to BPD in CRS and associated severe asthma is unknown. The breathing pattern assessment tool (BPAT) can identify BPD. Our objective was to thus investigate the prevalence of BPD, nasal airflow obstruction and measures of airway disease severity in CRS with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in severe asthma. METHODS: We determined whether CRS status, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) or polyp disease increased BPD prevalence. Demographic factors, measures of airway function and breathlessness in relation to BPD status and CRS subtypes were also evaluated. RESULTS: 130 Patients were evaluated (n = 69 had BPD). The prevalence of BPD in CRS with severe asthma was 53.1%. There was no difference between BPD occurrence between CRSwNP and CRSsNP. The mean polyp grade and PNIF were not statistically different between the BPD and non-BPD group. The presence of nasal polyps did not increase breathlessness. CONCLUSIONS: BPD and CRS are commonly co-associated. CRS status and nasal obstruction per se does not increase BPD prevalence.

Nocturnal nasal congestion is associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in patients with hypertension comorbid obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent role of nasal obstruction on blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised of 326 newly diagnosed OSA comorbid hypertension patients from March 2018 to December 2021. Sixty-six patients have controlled hypertension, two hundred and nine with uncontrolled hypertension and fifty-one with resistant hypertension. Information on demographic characteristics, sleep data, hypertension status was collected. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: Patients with nocturnal nasal congestion had more difficult to control blood pressure, with more numbers of antihypertensive drugs. They tended to have more severe OSA, lower nocturnal oxygen saturation and more severe sleepiness. Univariate analysis showed that nocturnal nasal congestion and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale scores were associated with uncontrolled BP. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, OSA severity and CT90, multivariate logistic analysis models showed that nocturnal nasal congestion was independently associated with uncontrolled hypertension (OR = 2.09, p = 0.023). When analyzed more severe resistant hypertension, nocturnal nasal congestion showed a higher association (OR = 2.96, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study demonstrated that the nocturnal nasal congestion was independently associated with uncontrolled BP. The use of nasal decongestants or nasal surgery may be a potential therapeutic target for resistant hypertension in the future.

Nasal symptoms increase the risk of snoring and snoring increases the risk of nasal symptoms. A longitudinal population study.

PURPOSE: Humans have a preference for nasal breathing during sleep. This 10-year prospective study aimed to determine if nasal symptoms can predict snoring and also if snoring can predict development of nasal symptoms. The hypothesis proposed is that nasal symptoms affect the risk of snoring 10 years later, whereas snoring does not increase the risk of developing nasal symptoms. METHODS: In the cohort study, Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE), a random population from Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, born between 1945 and 1973, was investigated by postal questionnaires in 1999-2001 (RHINE II, baseline) and in 2010-2012 (RHINE III, follow-up). The study population consisted of the participants who had answered questions on nasal symptoms such as nasal obstruction, discharge, and sneezing, and also snoring both at baseline and at follow-up (n = 10,112). RESULTS: Nasal symptoms were frequent, reported by 48% of the entire population at baseline, with snoring reported by 24%. Nasal symptoms at baseline increased the risk of snoring at follow-up (adj. OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.22-1.58) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI change between baseline and follow-up, and smoking status. Snoring at baseline was associated with an increased risk of developing nasal symptoms at follow-up (adj. OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02-1.47). CONCLUSION: Nasal symptoms are independent risk factors for development of snoring 10 years later, and surprisingly, snoring is a risk factor for the development of nasal symptoms.

Middle turbinate resection is unlikely to cause empty nose syndrome in first year postoperatively.

PURPOSE: Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is characterized by nasal dryness, crusting, and paradoxical nasal obstruction most commonly after inferior turbinate resection. ENS has also been reported to occur after middle turbinate resection (MTR), and concern for causing ENS is a possible reason surgeons preserve the MT during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The objective was to determine whether MTR during ESS led to ENS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective case series of 95 consecutive patients that underwent bilateral subtotal MTR during ESS with either Draf IIB or Draf III frontal sinusotomies, for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps, and frontal sinus inverted papillomas. Demographic data and postoperative Empty Nose Syndrome 6-item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) scores were obtained. Nasal crusting was also documented on last postoperative nasal endoscopy. RESULTS: Pathologies included chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (69), without nasal polyps (12), and inverted papillomas (14). Fifty-six patients underwent subtotal MTRs during ESS with Draf IIB, and 39 with Draf III. Mean follow-up was 19.4 months (range 12-49). Mean postoperative ENS6Q score was 2.1. Only 2.1% had ENS6Q scores ≥ 11, and 6.3% had nasal crusting at last follow-up. None of the patients with ENS6Q scores ≥ 11 had nasal crusting at last follow-up. There were no significant differences in outcomes between ages, genders, surgery types, or pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent bilateral subtotal MTR during ESS were unlikely to develop ENS by at least 1 year postoperatively, based on patients rarely experiencing ENS6Q scores ≥ 11 or persistent nasal crusting.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in School-Aged Children Presented with Nocturnal Enuresis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to detect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among school-age children presented with nocturnal enuresis (NE) and to identify the possible risk factors for OSA in them. METHODS: Sixty-six children aged > 5-16 years presented with NE were enrolled in the study. Children with urinary tract anatomical abnormalities or infection, intellectual disabilities, genetic syndromes, psychological issues, and diabetes mellitus were excluded. They were clinically examined, scored using sleep clinical record score (SCR), and subjected for full-night polysomnogram (PSG). Children with obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 2 episodes/hour (h) were considered as OSA. RESULTS: Fifty-four children (81.8% of the recruited children) aged 8.3 ± 2.8 years agreed to undergo PSG as 68.5% had OSA with median obstructive AHI of 6.1 (3.7-13.2) episodes/h, median oxygen saturation of 97% and nadir of 88%. Thirty-three percent were obese with significantly higher AHI [7.0 (3.7-12.4) vs. 2.4 (1.3-6.1) episodes/h; p = 0.023]. SCR score correlated significantly with AHI (r2 = 0.462, p = 0.001) with 91% sensitivity in detecting OSA ≥ 5 episodes/h. Nasal obstruction, adenoid/adult facial phenotype, and arched palate were associated with OSA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NE is commonly associated with OSA especially in obese children. Nasal obstruction, abnormal facial phenotype, and high-arched palate were common risk factors.

Analysis of Nasal Obstruction Patterns Following Reductive Rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic rhinoplasty has been linked to iatrogenic breathing disturbances using clinical tools. However, few studies have evaluated outcomes using validated, patient-centered instruments. OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine the incidence and severity of nasal obstruction following cosmetic rhinoplasty as measured by patient-centered, disease-specific instruments. DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of adult patients who underwent cosmetic rhinoplasty at Stanford Hospital between January 2017 and January 2019. General demographic as well as Nasal Obstruction and Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) and the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) questionnaire data were included. Scores were tracked across postoperative visits and compared to the preoperative state. Patients were subdivided into dorsal hump takedown, correction of the nasal tip, and both. RESULTS: Of the 68 included patients, 56 were women, and the mean age was 30.6 years. Although mean SCHNOS and NOSE scores increased at the first postoperative interval, mean scores decreased on each subsequent visit. There were no significant increases in SCHNOS or NOSE scores for either dorsal hump takedown, tip correction, or both. There were only two patients who recorded NOSE scores higher than baseline at most recent postoperative visit. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate reductive rhinoplasty is not associated with a greater risk of breathing obstruction when performed with modern airway preservation techniques. The initial increases in obstructive symptoms we observed on the first postoperative visit likely represent perioperative swelling given the improvement on follow-up visits. Both the NOSE and SCHNOS are patient-centered questionnaires capable of evaluating nasal obstruction following cosmetic rhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Nocturnal nasal obstruction is frequent and reduces sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The prevalence and consequences of nasal obstruction in untreated obstructive sleep apnea patients are not known. The study objectives were to investigate the frequency of subjective and objective nasal obstruction in untreated sleep apnea patients and the associations with sleep and quality of life. Patients in the Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort were subjected to a type 3 sleep study, answered questionnaires and had their nasal dimensions measured by acoustic rhinometry. In total, 810 patients participated (including 153 females), aged 54.5 ± 10.6 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] with an apnea/hypopnea index 44.7 ± 20.7 h-1 . Nocturnal nasal obstruction (greater than or equal to three times per week) was reported by 35% of the patients. These patients had smaller nasal dimensions measured by the minimum cross-sectional area within the smaller nasal valve (0.42 ± 0.17 versus 0.45 ± 0.16 cm2 , P = 0.013), reported more daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score 12.5 ± 4.9 versus 10.8 ± 5.0; P < 0.001) and slightly lower mental quality of life than patients without nocturnal nasal obstruction. Nocturnal nasal obstruction is reported in one-third of the sleep apnea patients and they are more likely to suffer from daytime sleepiness and slightly reduced quality of life than other sleep apnea patients.

The Effect of Spreader Graft and Mattress Suture Technique on Rhinoplasty in Patients With Nasal Hump Smaller Than 3 mm.

INTRODUCTION: Rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery that potentially has some complications such as postoperative deformities and breathing problems. A humpy nose is among the main reasons for rhinoplasty. Nasal valve (the narrowest part of the nasal airway) collapse may be occurred after nasal hump removal. Spreader graft is essential after more than 3 mm nasal hump removal. But the value of this graft is unknown for patients with nasal hump smaller than 3 mm. Mattress suture is another technique for widening the nasal valve angle. This study compares the effects of spreader graft and mattress suture technique on postoperative deformity and nasal valve patency in patients with nasal hump smaller than 3 mm as compared with control group (no graft and suture). METHODS: In this clinical trial study 210 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with 2 different techniques involved. Their postoperative deformity and nasal valve patency were evaluated by subjective (questionnaire and digital photography) method before and after rhinoplasty during 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Statistically, nasal obstruction had no significant difference before and after rhinoplasty and no significant difference was observed between spreader graft and mattress sutures (P > 0.05), but significantly better results than control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study the results of nasal valve patency of 2 techniques were similar. Because of several considerations in spreader graft technique such as needing to septoplasty in this technique even in patients without septal deviation that causes longer surgical duration, excessive blood loss, it is recommended to use Mattress suture in patients with nasal hump smaller than 3 mm.

[About the safety of application of nasal decongestants in the practice of pediatricians]. / O bezopasnosti primeneniia nazal'nykh dekongestantov v pediatricheskoi praktike.

Undesirable effects of the application of the intransal vasoconstricting medications are a frequent occurrence in the pediatric practice. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of the intranasal vasoconstricting medications in the structure of the means and methods currently available for the treatment of toxicological pathologies based at a multi-field clinical hospital. The retrospective analysis of the medical histories of the patients admitted to the toxicological department and annual reports for the period from 2015 to 2016 was undertaken. The study has demonstrated that intoxication associated with the use of the intranasal vasoconstricting medications was the most common cause of hospitalization of the children in the toxicological departments. Intoxication of this origin accounted for 15-20% of the total number of toxicological pathologies among the children. The cases of intoxication are most frequently documented in the group of children at the age between 1 and 3 years. The risk of the undesirable serious complications is especially high after the application of naphazoline-based intranasal vasoconstricting medications (71.7-77.4% of all the cases of intoxication with these products). It is concluded that the use of intranasal vasoconstricting medications in the pediatric practice should be carried out under the strict control, with the naphazoline-based preparations being totally excluded from the application.

Nasal obstructive disorders induce medical treatment failure in paediatric persistent allergic rhinitis (The NODPAR Study).

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic disease among children. To characterize the disease, a modified classification of severity (m-ARIA) has recently been validated in AR children. When medical treatment fails, surgery for nasal obstructive disorders (NOD) may be a therapeutic option. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of NOD and their influence in medical treatment response among children with persistent AR (PER). METHODS: In a prospective, real-life study, 130 paediatric PER patients (13.1 ± 2.8 years, females 31.5%, severe rhinitis 49%) referred from Allergy to ENT department were assessed for their response (R, responders; NR, non-responders) to medical treatment (intranasal steroids and antihistamines or antileukotrienes) by direct questioning and nasal symptom visual analogue scale, the presence of NOD (septal deformity, turbinate enlargement and adenoidal hyperplasia), comorbidities, nasal symptoms, rhinitis severity (modified ARIA criterion) and asthma control (International Consensus On Pediatric Asthma criterion). RESULTS: After 2 months of treatment, the NR group presented a higher prevalence of obstructive septal deformity and severe inferior turbinate enlargement when compared with the R group. Higher septal deformity and turbinate enlargement scores were strongly associated with treatment refractoriness. The prevalence of severe PER was also higher for the NR group. Higher asthma control scores were associated with the probability of treatment-induced improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In paediatric PER patients, medical therapy refractoriness was associated with NOD, mainly septal deformity and turbinate enlargement. In those patients, ENT examination will facilitate an early NOD diagnosis in order to indicate potential corrective surgery.

Prevalence of potential nonallergic rhinitis at a community-based sleep medical center.

PURPOSE: Nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) is a common condition involving symptomatic nasal congestion, stuffiness, or rhinorrhea, which overlap with symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Scant research has examined NAR and sleep. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of potential NAR symptoms in a large sample of sleep center patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 2658 adult patients at our sleep center from 2008 to 2012; 1703 reported clinically relevant nasal congestion. For this subset, potential NAR status (NAR+ vs NAR-) was determined using a brief survey. NAR groups were further divided into three sub-groups based on presenting chief complaints: insomnia (INS), nonrestorative sleep (NRS), and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Patients objectively diagnosed with SDB were also analyzed by NAR status. Validated scales for sleepiness, insomnia, anxiety, and depression were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Potential NAR+ comprised 70 % (1194 of 1703) of patients with congestion and showed significantly higher congestion scores than NAR- status [11.97 (3.62) vs 10.47 (3.37); p = .001; g = 0.42; 95 % CI, 0.32-0.53]. The proportion of potential NAR+ cases for each presenting chief complaint was nearly identical (range 69.6 to 71.2 %). However, the comparison of effects between NAR+ and NAR- cases within each presenting group (INS, NRS, SDB) was more consistently significant on the scales for insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety, and depression only in the SDB category. The same four symptoms, measured in those objectively diagnosed with SDB, were also significantly worse in NAR+ compared to NAR- patients. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of presenting chief complaint and ultimate diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing, potential nonallergic rhinitis was common in patients at a sleep medical center at a rate possibly greater than twice that reported in the general population. Potential NAR+ was associated with worse sleep and distress symptoms. In both prevalence and treatment studies, research must further evaluate the potential impact of NAR on specific sleep disorders.

FDNY and 9/11: Clinical services and health outcomes in World Trade Center-exposed firefighters and EMS workers from 2001 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: After the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks on September 11, 2001, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) instituted a WTC medical monitoring and treatment program and established a data center to document health outcomes in the WTC-exposed workforce of ∼16,000 firefighters and EMS workers. METHODS: FDNY schedules routine monitoring exams every 12-18 months and physical and mental health treatment appointments, as required. RESULTS: FDNY research studies have consistently found that early arrival to work and/or prolonged work at the WTC-site increased the risks for adverse physical and mental health outcomes. To date, a substantial proportion has been diagnosed with obstructive airways disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease; a quarter has two or more of these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: While much has been learned, the entire spectrum and trajectory of WTC-related disorders and their mechanisms of onset and persistence remain to be fully described. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:695-708, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Upper airway and eye involvement in polyurethane shoe sole production workers.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related upper and lower airway and eye symptoms in 118 workers in polyurethane shoe soles (PSS) production. METHODS: Workplace monitoring of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and solvents was performed. Subjects completed a study-specific questionnaire and underwent anterior rhinoscopy, skin prick tests for common aeroallergens, spirometry, nasal peak inspiratory (NPIF) and expiratory flow (NPEF). RESULTS: MDI and solvent levels were below threshold limit value-time-weighted average (TLW-TWA) except for two measures of dichloromethane and tetrachloroethylene, respectively, and in one measure of acetonitrile, which were higher then TLW-TWA. In exposed workers the prevalence of cough (p < 0.05) and nasal congestion at rhinoscopy (p = 0.05) was more frequent than in non-exposed workers. Occupational exposure (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.2-16.5) and a low FEV1 (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.3) were significant predictors of cough. CONCLUSIONS: In workers exposed to low levels of MDI and solvents in polyurethane shoe sole production there was a high prevalence of cough and nasal congestion. An improvement in the exhaust ventilation system and other preventive measures were needed.

Exposure to respirable dust and manganese and prevalence of airways symptoms, among Swedish mild steel welders in the manufacturing industry.

PURPOSE: Welding fume consists of metal fumes, e.g., manganese (Mn) and gases, e.g., ozone. Particles in the respirable dust (RD) size range dominate. Exposure to welding fume could cause short- and long-term respiratory effects. The prevalence of work-related symptoms among mild steel welders was studied, and the occupational exposure to welding fumes was quantified by repeated measurements of RD, respirable Mn, and ozone. Also the variance components were studied. METHOD: A questionnaire concerning airway symptoms and occupational history was answered by 79% of a cohort of 484 welders. A group of welders (N = 108) were selected and surveyed by personal exposure measurements of RD and ozone three times during 1 year. RESULTS: The welders had a high frequency of work-related symptoms, e.g., stuffy nose (33%), ocular symptoms (28%), and dry cough (24%). The geometric mean exposure to RD and respirable Mn was 1.3 mg/m(3) (min-max 0.1-38.3 mg/m(3)) and 0.08 mg/m(3) (min-max <0.01-2.13 mg/m(3)), respectively. More than 50% of the Mn concentrations exceeded the Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL). Mainly, low concentrations of ozone were measured, but 2% of the samples exceeded the OEL. Of the total variance for RD, 30 and 33% can be attributed to within-worker variability and between-company variability, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Welders had a high prevalence of work-related symptom from the airways and eyes. The welders' exposure to Mn was unacceptably high. To reduce the exposure further, control measures in the welding workshops are needed. Correct use of general mechanical ventilation and local exhaust ventilation can, for example, efficiently reduce the exposure.

Exposure to PM10 as a risk factor for the development of nasal obstruction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether air pollution is a potential risk factor for airways obstruction. METHODS: A prospective cohort study (11.3 +/- 2.9 years) that took place in two areas (Eordea where concentration of PM10 was high and Grevena, Greece). We used the MRC questionnaire, spirometry, and anterior rhinomanometry at both visits. RESULTS: Initially we examined 3046 subjects. After excluding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, we re-examined 872 subjects and 168 of them had developed COPD (Grevena: 24.3%, Eordea: 18.5%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the area of residence and thus exposure to air pollution was not a risk factor for the development of COPD (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.18-1.46, P = 0.21). On the other hand, residence in Eordea was strongly related to the development of severe nasal obstruction (OR: 11.47, 95% CI: 6.15-21.40, P < 0.001). Similar results were found after excluding patients with COPD stage I as well as in the subgroup of never smokers. CONCLUSION: Air pollution was associated with severe nasal obstruction but not with COPD development.

Inside the brachycephalic nose: intranasal mucosal contact points.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intranasal mucosal contact points in brachycephalic and normocephalic dogs. In total, 82 brachycephalic dogs (42 pugs and 40 French bulldogs) were evaluated by rhinoscopy for their intranasal mucosal contact and 25 normocephalic dogs were evaluated as a control group. Of those, 162 brachycephalic nasal cavities were evaluable and 140 had contact between intranasal structures (87%). Intraconchal and septoconchal mucosal contact points were the most commonly detected sites of contact. French bulldogs had a significantly higher prevalence of mucosal contact and had 3 mean contact points compared with 1.7 mean contact points per nasal cavity in pugs. Septal deviations were present in 62% of brachycephalic dogs. In the control group, mucosal contact points were present in only 7 of 50 nasal cavities (14%), and septal deviations occurred in 16% of those cases. Contact point average was 0.1 in large and 0.3 in small normocephalic dogs. Intranasal mucosal contact was identified as a common and previously unreported problem in brachycephalic dogs. Numerous contact points reduce the lumen of the intranasal passageways and indicate potential intranasal obstruction. Affected dogs might benefit from removal of obstructing conchae, potentially using laser-assisted turbinectomy.

[The evaluation of nasal obstruction during pregnancy and its influence on the quality of life of the women].

The objective of the present study was to identify peculiar features of nasal obstruction in the pregnant women and to evaluate parameters of the quality of life in the patients suffering from rhinitis in comparison with those having adequate nasal breathing. A total of 120 pregnant women were available for the examination The estimated variables included the quality of life, ciliary activity, results of rheoencehalography, and estradiol levels. The results of the study indicate that the quality of life in the pregnant women presenting with rhinitis and nasal obstruction depends on the estradiol level and changes in the rheoencephalograms. The severity of clinical symptoms of nasal obstruction increased in parallel to variations in the parameters of the mucociliary transport.

Asthma symptoms and nasal congestion as independent risk factors for insomnia in a general population: results from the GA(2)LEN survey.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinitis have been related to insomnia. The aim of this study was to further analyse the association between asthma, nasal symptoms and insomnia and to identify risk factors for sleep disturbance among patients with asthma, in a large population-based set of material. METHOD: In 2008, a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 45 000 adults in four Swedish cities. The questionnaire included questions on insomnia, asthma, rhinitis, weight, height, tobacco use and physical activity. RESULTS: Twenty-five thousand six hundred and ten subjects participated. Asthma was defined as either current medication for asthma or at least one attack of asthma during the last 12 months, and 1830 subjects (7.15%) were defined as asthmatics. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms was significantly higher among asthmatics than non-asthmatics (47.3% vs 37.2%, <0.0001). In the subgroup reporting both asthma and nasal congestion, 55.8% had insomnia symptoms compared with 35.3% in subjects without both asthma and nasal congestion. The risk of insomnia increased with the severity of asthma, and the adjusted OR for insomnia was 2.65 in asthmatics with three symptoms compared with asthmatics without symptoms. Nasal congestion (OR 1.50), obesity (OR 1.54) and smoking (OR 1.71) also increased the risk of insomnia. CONCLUSION: Insomnia remains a common problem among asthmatics. Uncontrolled asthma and nasal congestion are important, treatable risk factors for insomnia. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, are also risk factors for insomnia among asthmatics.

Sleep impairment and daytime sleepiness in patients with allergic rhinitis: the role of congestion and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of rhinitis with stress, fatigue, decrease productivity, inflammation, and sleep disordered breathing. DATA SOURCES: Medical literature obtained from OVID and PubMed searches in February 2013 using the search terms "sleep," "rhinitis," "allergic rhinitis," "somnolence," and "fatigue". STUDY SELECTIONS: Studies were selected based on the US Preventive Services Task Force levels 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Allergic rhinitis is a disease that severely affects patients' quality of life and is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Nasal congestion is reported as the most common and bothersome symptom; it is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing, a likely cause of sleep impairment in rhinitis-affected individuals. The end result is a reduced quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and stress. Current treatment modalities include intranasal corticosteroids, which have been found to reduce nasal congestion. Clinical trials on intranasal corticosteroids have provided data on sleep-related end points, and these studies report that the improved nasal congestion is associated with improved quality of life with better sleep and reduced daytime fatigue. Alternate therapies, including montelukast, also decrease nasal congestion and positively influence sleep, but to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION: This review examines nasal congestion and cytokine changes and the associated sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis patients and the effect on daytime performance. It elaborates the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how therapies directed at reducing nasal congestion can relieve such effects.

An interdisciplinary study of orthodontic, orthopedic, and otorhinolaryngological findings in 12-14-year-old preorthodontic children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Malocclusion, the body posture, and the breathing pattern may correlate, but this issue is still controversial. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the type of malocclusion, the body posture, and the nasopharyngeal obstruction in 12-14-year-old children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 76 orthodontic patients (35 boys, 41 girls) aged 12-14 years (mean age, 12.79 years [SD, 0.98]). All the patients were examined by the same orthodontist (study model and cephalometric radiograph analysis), the same orthopedic surgeon (body posture examined from the front, the side, and the back), and the same otorhinolaryngologist (anterior and posterior rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy) in a blind manner. RESULTS: The prevalence of a poor body posture and a nasopharyngeal pathology was high in the present study. In total, 48.7% of the orthodontic patients had a kyphotic posture and 55.3% a rib hump in the thoracic region. The nasopharyngeal pathology was diagnosed in 78.9% of the patients. The patients with the kyphotic posture had a higher mandibular plane angle (MP-SN) and a lower sagittal position of the mandible SNB angle. A deeper overbite correlated with shoulder and scapular asymmetry. The kyphotic posture was diagnosed in 55.0% of the patients with the nasopharyngeal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The sagittal body posture was related to the vertical craniofacial parameters and hypertrophy of the tonsils and/or the adenoids. The study showed no relationship between the degree of crowding, the presence of a posterior cross bite, orthopedic parameters, and a breathing pattern.