What is the role of the nose in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? Jolie Chang, MD, discusses the topic on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's podcast, "Talking Sleep," in an episode titled "The Nose and OSA: Why the Nose Always Seems to Know."
Dr. Chang is an associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF OHNS) and the Chief of the Division of Sleep Surgery and General Otolaryngology.
Dr. Chang highlights the role of the nose in OSA — a relationship that has common misconceptions.
In the episode, Dr. Chang discusses a variety a topics including the impact of improving nasal congestion and nasal obstruction on CPAP use, the ideal candidate for surgery and surgical decision-making and goals.
"Especially in sleep apnea, we're aiming for improved airflow through the nose, day and night," says Dr. Chang in the episode. "The decision for surgery is based on a quality-of-life decision point as to how much the nasal obstruction bothers a particular patient. Nasal surgery alone is unlikely to cure moderate to severe OSA, but can improve symptoms and quality of life."
Dr. Chang is the first author of the "International consensus statement on obstructive sleep apnea," published in the International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, and she is the corresponding author of "The nose and nasal breathing in sleep apnea," published in Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. Both articles are referenced in the podcast episode.
In summary, "The nose is important for breathing," says Dr. Chang. "We [otolaryngologists] are happy to evaluate patients who are struggling with any of their nasal issues."
Listen to the entire episode online or wherever you get your podcasts. "Talking Sleep" is hosted by Seema Khosla, MD, the medical director of the North Dakota Center for Sleep and representative of the AASM.
