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Nocturnal Nasal Congestion and Nasal Resistance
Author(s) -
Stroud Robert H.,
Wright Steven T.,
Calhoun Karen H.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199909000-00018
Subject(s) - supine position , nasal congestion , medicine , rhinomanometry , nose , anesthesia , surgery
Objectives: To compare total nasal resistance (TNR) in upright and supine positions in patients who did and did not complain of nocturnal (supine) nasal congestion symptoms without daytime (upright) congestion, and to determine what other conditions were associated with nocturnal nasal congestion (NNC) symptoms. Study Design: A prospective study comparing objectively measured nasal airflow in different positions (upright and reclining) with subjective patient symptoms. Methods: Subjects completed a questionnaire about nasal symptoms. Anterior rhinomanometry was performed with patients upright, reclined 45°, and supine. TNR in subject subsets was compared using the Student t test. Results: TNR did not differ between upright patients with (n = 27) and without (n = 20) NNC. Supine TNR ( P < .04) and increase in TNR ( P < .02) between upright and supine was greater in patients with NNC. Smokers (n = 15, 10 with NNC, 5 without) had greater TNR increases when supine versus nonsmokers ( P < .02). Patients with rhinitis symptoms (n = 29, 18 with NNC, 11 without) had greater TNR increases when supine than patients without rhinitis ( P < .01). Patients who both smoked and had rhinitis (n = 11, 7 with NNC, 4 without) had a greater supine TNR than patients who smoked or had rhinitis alone ( P < .02). Conclusions: Some patients without daytime nasal congestion experience NNC. They have a significantly greater TNR increase when supine versus patients without NNC. Smokers and patients with rhinitis, with or without NNC, have a significantly greater TNR increase when supine versus nonsmokers or patients without rhinitis. Smoking cessation and treatment of rhinitis may improve the patients' NNC.