Clinical Report: Nasal obstruction may worsen OSA indicators

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that nasal obstruction is associated with worsening indicators of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including an increase in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).

Background

Nasal obstruction is a common condition that may exacerbate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Understanding the relationship between nasal obstruction and OSA indicators is crucial for effective management and treatment of patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Nasal obstruction was associated with a mean increase of 13.78 events/hour in AHI.
• Participants with a baseline AHI below 5 experienced an increase of 9.56 events/hour, while those with a baseline AHI of 5 or more had an increase of 24.11 events/hour.
• The mean increase in ODI was 7.45 events/hour, although this was not statistically significant.
• Average oxygen saturation decreased by 0.70 percentage points, and nadir oxygen saturation decreased by 1.75 percentage points.
• The association between nasal obstruction and AHI did not differ significantly between surgical and nonsurgical settings.
• Mouth taping studies showed a decrease in median AHI but lacked statistically significant improvements in oxygen saturation.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware that nasal obstruction can exacerbate OSA indicators, potentially complicating the management of patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests a significant association between nasal obstruction and worsening OSA indicators.

Related Resources & Content

1. Alshehri NA, et al., OTO Open, 2026 -- Impact of Nasal Obstruction and Mouth Taping on Sleep Apnea Indicators: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
2. American Academy of Sleep Medicine, J Clin Sleep Med, 2025 -- Evaluation and management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults hospitalized for medical care: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline
3. Frontiers in Surgery, 2026 -- Beyond the airway: the impact of septoplasty and turbinate reduction on somnolence and sleep disordered breathing risk—a prospective study
4. Ophthalmology Management, 2013 -- Applying the evidence on OSA and glaucoma
5. Inside Dentistry, 2006 -- Oral Findings in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
6. MDSpire News — Adult OSA Outcomes With Maxillary Expansion
7. Evaluation and management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults hospitalized for medical care: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline
8. Impact of Nasal Obstruction and Mouth Taping on Sleep Apnea Indicators: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Alshehri - 2026 - OTO Open - Wiley Online Library
9. The relationship between subjective and objective nasal obstruction and polysomnographic parameters in obstructive sleep apnea - ScienceDirect