The Effects of Nasal Airflow on Upper Airway Dilator Muscles During Sleep

The Effects of Nasal Airflow on Upper Airway Dilator Muscles During Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly prevalent disorder characterized by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep, resulting in oxygen desaturation and frequent arousals. The etiology of OSA remains unclear.

Many studies indicates an association between nasal obstruction and apnea. However,the precise nature of this relationship is far from clear and the importance of resistance to nasal airflow in the pathogenesis of airway collapse in OSA patients remains contentious.

In this study, investigators perform 4 different ways to change subjective or objective patency of nasal cavity and observe the effects of the nasal airflow on nocturnal breathing, sleep,and upper airway muscles in OSA patients.

1. All subjects underwent a standard overnight polysomnogram(PSG), including continuous genioglossal electromyography measurement , electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, electrocardiogram, nasal flow (thermister), respiratory (chest and abdominal) movements,oxy-hemoglobin saturation (pulse oximeter), and body position. Apnea event definitions and clinical classification were determined using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine(AASM) guidelines
2. Pharyngeal electrical current sensory threshold was performed to identify the different Pharyngeal function between OSA patients and normal controls

Inclusion Criteria:

• OSA patients (apnea/hyponea index >5/h）with chronic nasal congestion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Upper airway surgery;
• Current treatment with nasal topical steroids or decongestants;
• Internal medical diseases or psychiatric disorders that interferd with sleep.