The role of the nasal valve in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

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Matteo Gelardi
Pierluigi Intiglietta
Giuseppe Porro
Vitaliano Nicola Quaranta
Onofrio Resta
Nicola Quaranta
Giorgio Ciprandi

Keywords

nasal valve, airflow obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, polysomnography

Abstract

The nasal valve area has the minimal cross-sectional area of the upper airways. A problem at this level may easily induce impaired breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder. It has been reported that nasal obstruction may be associated with OSAS. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of nasal valve in a group of OSAS patients. Polysomnography was performed. Patients with bilateral valve incontinence had lower SaO2-nadir than patients with unilateral (or no) one. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that a bilateral nasal valve incontinence is associated with more severe nocturnal respiratory pattern in patients with OSAS.

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