How Allergies Have an effect on Us

Obstruction of the nasal passages is one of the most common conditions treated by otolaryngologists and facial plastic surgeons, according to background information in the article. Common causes include septal deviation, which occurs when the wall separating the two nasal passages is crooked or off-center; valve insufficiency, caused by improper positioning or collapse of cartilage inside the nasal passages; and turbinate hypertrophy, when air flow is blocked by large or swollen turbinates, areas inside the nose covered by mucous membranes that help warm and filter incoming air. Surgical procedures to treat these types of conditions are collectively known as functional rhinoplasty.

Sam P. Most, M.D., formerly of the University of Washington School of Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery Center, Seattle, and now at Stanford University, Calif., evaluated 41 patients (27 men, 14 women, average age 41.5) with severe nasal obstruction for at least one year who subsequently underwent functional rhinoplasty at the center. Patients completed preoperative and postoperative evaluations, including questionnaires designed to assess the severity of their nasal obstruction and their quality of life. Patients were each given a score from zero to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe nasal obstructions.

"By establishing that feelings of nasal congestion can be sensory-related, we open doors for more targeted treatment," said study lead author Kai Zhao, Ph.D., a bioengineer at Monell. "For example, effective treatments may need to include a focus on restoring optimal humidity and temperature in the patient's nasal airflow."

"Functional rhinoplasty techniques are effective in improving nasal airway function as measured by a patient-based, disease-specific, quality-of-life instrument," Dr. Most concludes. "The specific techniques considered to treat nasal obstruction can be tailored to address the areas of concern, including septal deviation, internal or external valve collapse and turbinate hypertrophy."

Hsueh-Yu Li, M.D., of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, and colleagues assessed 51 consecutive patients with OSA (50 men and one woman, average age 39) and symptoms of nasal obstruction who underwent nasal surgery as initial treatment. Patients completed questionnaires assessing their symptoms, sleepiness, snoring and overall quality of life before and three months after the procedure.

Following surgery, symptoms of nasal obstruction improved significantly, and marked improvement was apparent on scales measuring snoring and sleepiness. A slight improvement also was seen in overall health status.

"Someone in the desert, all other things being equal, should feel less congested than someone in the jungle. In the low humidity of the desert, there is more evaporative cooling inside of the nose, such that the temperature of the nasal passages is lower. This leads to a feeling of greater air flow -- and less sensation of obstruction." said co-author Bruce Bryant, Ph.D., a sensory scientist at Monell.blog