Rhinitis and sleep apnea

Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Asthmatic Children

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common upper airways inflammatory condition especially in paediatric population; its burden potentially impacts on quality of life, quality of sleep and daily performance, which can be difficult to perceive but not less relevant in the middle-long term. The present review aims to provide an updated overview on AR epidemiology, diagnosis and with a special focus on its connections with bronchial asthma. In fact, when considering asthmatic pediatric population, AR is probably the most important risk factor for asthma onset and the most impactful extra-bronchial determinant of asthma control. Under this perspective, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) should always be considered in the light of a precision medicine approach. In fact, AIT does represent a unique opportunity to specifically interfere with AR immunological background, improve both AR and bronchial asthma control and prevent allergic disease evolution. Verifying the patient's eligibility to that option should be considered as a priority for every physician managing children suffering from AR, especially when associated with bronchial asthma.

House Dust Mite Related Allergic Rhinitis and REM Sleep Disturbances

PURPOSE

Sleep disturbances are common in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Perennial allergens like house dust mites (HDM) are difficult to avoid and have nocturnal impacts on the respiratory system and Quality of Life (QOL). The Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage is associated with memory, cognition, dreams, and overall restfulness, which can be impaired in AR patients with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) even when normal all-night apnea-hypopnea (AHI) or respiratory disturbance (RDI) indices are noted on polysomnography (PSG). We hypothesized that AR HDM allergen positive patients would show REM-specific SDB reflected in their objectively elevated REM-RDI values.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis of 100 patients included 47 with HDM positive allergy testing. All patients underwent PSG testing calculating the RDI during REM. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated relationships between allergic statuses and sleep parameters while controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Compared with allergy negative patients, HDM allergen positive patients were significantly more likely (OR 4.29, 95%CI 1.26-14.62) to have a REM-RDI in the moderate/severe range (≥15 events/h).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlighted the significance of respiratory allergies to HDM in patients with SDB. We revealed a significant relationship between HDM allergen positivity and SDB characterized by elevated REM-RDI regardless of all-night AHI, RDI, or REM-AHI values. Clinical implications of knowing about disturbed REM and/or HDM allergenicity include better preparation, treatment, outcomes, and QOL for allergic, SDB, and upper airway surgery patients.

The association between allergic rhinitis and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the associations of allergic rhinitis with sleep duration and sleep impairment. Observational studies published before August 2019 were obtained through English language literature searches in the PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases. Mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were extracted and used for meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was confirmed by the I2-heterogeneity test. Subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of study design. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to determine the level of evidence. In total, 2544 records were identified through database searches; 914 duplicate records were excluded, 1452 records were removed after screening of titles and abstracts, 151 records were excluded after full-text screening, and 27 articles were included in the final meta-analyses. A total of 240,706,026 patients (19,444,043 with allergic rhinitis) were considered. No significant difference in sleep duration between the allergic rhinitis and the control groups was found. Patients with allergic rhinitis presented with significantly higher sleep quality scores, sleep disturbances scores, and sleep latency scores; more frequent use of sleep medications; and lower sleep efficiency as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and polysomnography. Meta-analyses for adjusted odds ratios showed that allergic rhinitis was also associated with higher risks of nocturnal dysfunctions, including insomnia, nocturnal enuresis, restless sleep, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring. Meta-analysis for adjusted odds ratio also showed that allergic rhinitis was associated with daytime dysfunction, including difficulty waking up, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, and the use of sleep medications. The overall quality of evidence ranged from low to very low, indicating that caution is required when interpreting these results. This study demonstrates that there is a significant association of AR with sleep characteristics.

Effects of intranasal mometasone furoate on blood pressure in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background: Nasal congestion as the main symptom in patients with allergic rhinitis can impair nasal breathing. It causes hypoxia and concomitant sympathetic system activation, which may also lead to increased blood pressure levels in these patients. Objective: We postulated that appropriate therapy, including intranasal steroids, decreases blood pressure levels in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods: In our study, we investigated the effect of intranasal steroid (4 weeks of mometasone furoate) on blood pressure changes in 45 patients with allergic rhinitis whose main complaint was nasal congestion. We used ambulatory monitoring for determining blood pressure levels before and after intranasal steroid therapy. None of the patients had any other systemic diseases. Results: We found a significant decrease of daytime systolic and diastolic blood pressures and mean blood pressure values (daytime systolic blood pressure: 120 vs. 117 mmHg, p = 0.024; daytime diastolic blood pressure: 73 vs. 71 mmHg, p = 0.027; daytime mean blood pressure: 86 vs. 83 mmHg, p = 0.007). Although insignificant, we also found lower night-time systolic and mean blood pressure values (nighttime systolic blood pressure: 109 vs. 107 mmHg, p = 0.182; nighttime mean blood pressure 77 vs. 73 mmHg, p = 0.116). Conclusions: We found that post-treatment daytime average systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure levels were significantly lower compared to values obtained during exacerbation of allergic rhinitis. Decrease in blood pressure with treatment of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion suggests that nasal congestion and impaired nasal respiration may affect blood pressure and potentially cause serious problems in hypertensive patients with allergic rhinitis.

Clinical associations between allergies and rapid eye movement sleep disturbances

Background

Allergic rhinitis, an immunoglobulin E inflammatory condition including nasal congestion, obstruction, sneezing, pruritus, and fatigue symptoms, has significant impact on quality of life and impairs sleep. Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) patients often have normal all‐night apnea‐hypopnea (AHI) or respiratory‐disturbance (RDI) indices on polysomnography (PSG). We hypothesized that the rapid eye motion–respiratory disturbance index (REM‐RDI) may be a novel predictor of allergic status.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 100 patients compared REM‐RDI results in 67 allergen‐positive patients with 33 nonallergic patients who presented with nasal blockage. Subjects completed STOP‐Bang©, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22)©, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale© questionnaires and underwent skin‐prick testing (SPT) and PSGs including REM‐RDI values. Using multivariate logistic regression models, we evaluated relationships between allergic status and sleep parameters while controlling for possible confounders including body mass index (BMI).

Results

Using REM‐RDI as the outcome of interest, allergen‐positive patients were 3.92 times more likely to have REM‐RDI values in a moderate/severe range (≥15 events/hour); and patients with moderate/severe REM‐RDI values were more likely to be allergen positive (p < 0.05). Allergic status was not significantly related to all‐night AHI, RDI, or REM‐AHI. BMI was not significantly related to REM‐RDI. STOP‐Bang© was related to allergy status (p = 0.02) and REM‐RDI (p < 0.01). Allergic patients had increased REM latency and less total amount of REM.

Conclusion

We revealed significant bidirectional associations between allergen positivity and increased REM‐RDI values independent of BMI, AHI, RDI, and REM‐AHI. Allergic inflammation and REM‐RDI data may play important roles in diagnosing and treating fatigued SDB patients and as objective perioperative safety and outcomes measures.

Impact of self-reported symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma on sleep disordered breathing and sleep disturbances in the elderly with polysomnography study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and sleep disturbances have been reported to be associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, population-based studies of this issue in the elderly are rare.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of self-reported rhinitis and asthma on sleep apnea and sleep quality using polysomnography in an elderly Korean population.

METHODS

A total of 348 elderly subjects who underwent one-night polysomnography study among a randomly selected sample were enrolled. Study subjects underwent anthropometric and clinical evaluations. Simultaneously, the prevalence and co-morbid status of asthma and allergic rhinitis, and subjective sleep quality were evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire.

RESULTS

Ever-diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was significantly more prevalent in subjects with SDB compared with those without SDB. Subjects with an ever-diagnosis of allergic rhinitis showed a higher O2 desaturation index and mean apnea duration. Indices regarding sleep efficiency were affected in subjects with a recent treatment of allergic rhinitis or asthma. Waking after sleep onset was longer and sleep efficiency was lower in subjects who had received allergic rhinitis treatment within the past 12 months. Subjects who had received asthma treatment within the past 12 months showed significantly lower sleep efficiency than others.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that a history of allergic rhinitis is associated with increased risk of SDB in the elderly. Sleep disturbance and impaired sleep efficiency were found in the subjects who had received recent treatment of allergic rhinitis or asthma. Physicians should be aware of the high risk of sleep disorders in older patients with respiratory allergic diseases.

Role of the Allergist-Immunologist and Upper Airway Allergy in Sleep-Disordered Breathing

BACKGROUND

Sleep-disordered breathing in general and obstructive sleep apnea in particular are commonly encountered conditions in allergy practice. Physiologically, nasal (or nasopharyngeal) obstruction from rhinitis, nasal polyposis, or adenotonsillar hypertrophy are credible contributors to snoring and nocturnal respiratory obstructive events. Nevertheless, existing practice parameters largely relegate the role of the allergist to adjunctive treatment in cases of continuous positive airway pressure intolerance.

OBJECTIVES

To survey active American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members regarding their perceptions and practices concerning sleep-disordered breathing in adult and pediatric patients with rhinitis, and to review the medical literature concerning this connection to identify therapeutic implications and research gaps.

METHODS

Members of the Work Group on Rhinitis and Sleep-disordered Breathing composed and distributed a Web-based clinically oriented survey to active American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology members in mid-2015. The group, in addition, conducted an English-language literature review using PubMed and other sources.

RESULTS

Survey results were returned by 339 of 4881 active members (7%). More than two-third of respondents routinely asked about sleep problems, believed that sleep-disordered breathing was a problem for at least a "substantial minority" (10%-30%) of their adult patients, and believed that medical therapy for upper airway inflammatory conditions could potentially help ameliorate sleep-related complaints. Literature review supported the connection between high-grade nasal congestion/adenotonsillar hypertrophy and obstructive sleep apnea, and at least in the case of pediatric patients, supported the use of anti-inflammatory medication in the initial management of obstructive sleep apnea of mild-to-moderate severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical allergy practice and the medical literature support a proactive role for allergists in the diagnosis and management of sleep-disordered breathing.

A comparative study on oxidative stress role in nasal breathing impairment and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep disorder that leads to metabolic abnormalities and increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to define the expression and clinical significance of biomarkers involved in oxidative stress in patients with OSAS. A prospective study was designed to compare outcomes of oxidative stress laboratory tests in three groups of subjects. The study involved the recruitment of three groups of subjects, 10 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome with AHI > 30; 10 patients suffering from snoring at night with AHI < 15; 10 patients with nasal respiratory impairment with AHI < 5. Patients were subjected to skin prick tests for common aero-allergens, nasal endoscopy, active anterior rhinomanometry, fibrolaryngoscopy and polysomnography; and extra-routine diagnostic tests and procedures; analysis of oxidative and antioxidant (plasma thiol groups) biomarkers in blood and urine samples. No statistical differences in age, sex distribution or body mass index were present between the three groups (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in AHI among the three groups of patients (p < 0.05). No statistical significance was found in the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test (p > 0.05) between the levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress in the three populations studied. The results of our study show that the nose can play a role in the pathogenesis of OSAS through the production of biomarkers of oxidative stress.

The effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure compliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), evaluating effects of topical nasal steroids on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine use and nasal symptoms.

SEARCH METHODS

Data source: A comprehensive search of Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed through April 2016. Manual searches and subject matter expert input were also obtained. Studies assessing effects of nasal steroids on CPAP machine use in adults, which reported quantitative outcome data of CPAP compliance, were included.

RESULTS

Two studies (144 patients) met inclusion criteria. Both were randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCT). Pooled fixed effects analysis did not identify a statistically significant difference between both the groups for average duration of CPAP machine use per night. But there was an overall increase in the usage of 0.4 h (95 % confidence interval (CI) (-0.20, 1.00); P = 0.19) in favor of nasal steroids. Difference of percentage of nights with CPAP use was not demonstrated (mean difference 0.06, 95 % CI (-0.27, 0.39); P = 0.71). There was also no significant difference in nasal symptoms (mean difference 0.63, 95 % CI (-0.11, 1.36), P = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Nasal steroids showed benefits on CPAP use, but did not reach statistical significance. Data was based on meta-analysis of RCTs of 4-week follow-up in unselected OSA patients. Future controlled studies with selected group and longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm the benefits of nasal steroid on CPAP compliance in OSA patients.

Airway resistance and allergic sensitization in children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the airway resistance in Chinese children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by impulse oscilloetry (IOS) and investigate the association of the severity of OSAHS with the airway resistance and allergic sensitization.

METHOD

A total of 120 children (92 boys) treated for snoring in Beijing Children's Hospital between October 2010 and March 2011 were included in this study. Ninety-three children were diagnosed with OSAHS and 27 did not show OSAHS. Total airway resistance (R5), proximal airway resistance (R20), and peripheral airway resistance (X5) were determined by IOS. Serum levels of total IgE and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) were also determined.

RESULTS

R5 in the OSAHS group was significantly higher than that in the non-OSAHS group (P = 0.0025), whereas R20 and X5 were similar in the two groups. R5 was positively correlated with apnea hypopnea index and obstructive apnea index and negatively correlated with the lowest arterial oxygen saturation significantly (all P < 0.05). The percentage of children with abnormal serum levels of total IgE or abnormal allergen-specific IgEs was comparable in OSAHS and non-OSAHS groups. The proportions of abnormal R5 and of abnormal serum levels of total IgE were significantly higher in children with severe OSAHS compared with children with mild or moderate OSAHS (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Total airway resistance was significantly increased in Children with OSAHS. Allergic sensitization might contribute to the exacerbation of existing OSAHS in children. Large scale studies are required to further validate these findings.

Non-invasive Assessment and Symptomatic Improvement of the Obstructed Nose (NASION): a physiology-based patient-centred approach to treatment selection and outcomes assessment in nasal obstruction

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of selecting treatment for nasal obstruction on the basis of a structured physiology-based assessment protocol on patient outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective longitudinal study.

SETTING

District general hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A population of 71 patients with a mean age of 33 years, containing 36 males, presented with nasal obstruction for consideration of nasal surgery. All patients underwent a structured clinical assessment, skin prick allergy testing and oral-nasal flow-volume loop examination. Fifty-one patients completed the follow-up, and mean follow-up was 11 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

NOSE, SNOT-22 and NASION scales.

RESULTS

Of the 51 patients who completed follow-up, six had conservative treatment, 28 had septal/turbinate surgery, and 17 underwent nasal valve surgery. Mean NOSE score fell from 68 ± 18 to 39 ± 31 following the treatment. Mean SNOT-22 score fell from 47 ± 20 to 29 ± 26 following the treatment. The difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment NOSE and SNOT-22 scores were statistically significant. Success rate of septal/turbinate surgery in patients without nasal allergy was 88%, and this fell to 42% in patients undergoing septal/turbinate surgery who also had nasal allergy. Presence of nasal allergy was the only independent predictor of treatment failure. Patients with nasal valve surgery reported significantly greater symptomatic improvement following surgery. The newly formed NASION scale demonstrated internal consistency with a Cronbach α of 0.9 and excellent change-responsiveness and convergent validity with correlation coefficients of 0.64 and 0.77 against treatment-related changes in SNOT-22 and NOSE scales, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful surgical outcomes can be achieved with the use of a structured history, clinical evaluation and physiological testing. Flow-volume loops can help elucidate the cause of nasal obstruction. The newly formed NASION scale is a validated retrospective single time-point patient outcome measure.

Obstructive sleep apnea and World Trade Center exposure

OBJECTIVES

To describe the proportion of at-risk World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed rescue/recovery workers with polysomnogram-confirmed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and examine the relationship between WTC exposure, physician-diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and rhinosinusitis and OSA.

METHODS

A total of 636 male participants completed polysomnography from September 24, 2010, to September 23, 2012. Obstructive sleep apnea was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Associations were tested using nominal polytomous logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-one percent of workers were diagnosed with OSA. Using logistic regression models, severe OSA was associated with WTC exposure on September 11, 2001 (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 3.17), GERD (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 5.70), and comorbid GERD/rhinosinusitis (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 4.40).

CONCLUSIONS

We found significant associations between severe OSA and WTC exposure, and with diseases prevalent in this population. Accordingly, we recommend clinical evaluation, including polysomnography, for patients with high WTC exposure, other OSA risk factors, and a physician diagnosis of GERD or comorbid GERD and rhinosinusitis.

SQ house dust mite sublingually administered immunotherapy tablet (ALK) improves allergic rhinitis in patients with house dust mite allergic asthma and rhinitis symptoms

BACKGROUND

House dust mite (HDM) allergy is associated with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a SQ HDM sublingually administered immunotherapy tablet (ALK, Hørsholm, Denmark) in adults and adolescents with HDM respiratory allergic disease and report the AR results.

METHODS

Six hundred four subjects at least 14 years old with HDM AR and mild to moderate HDM allergic asthma were randomized 1:1:1:1 to double-blinded daily treatment with 1, 3, 6 SQ-HDM or placebo. End-of-treatment rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and medication score were predefined extrapulmonary end points. A subgroup analysis was conducted post hoc in subjects with a total combined rhinitis score (TCRS) > 0 (ie, with AR symptoms and/or AR medication use during the 4-week baseline period). The subgroup was comprised of 498 subjects (82%).

RESULTS

In the subgroup, the absolute difference in end-of-treatment TCRS between 6 SQ-HDM and placebo was -0.78 (95% confidence interval -1.47 to -0.07, relative difference 28.8%, P = .0357). Furthermore, a significant difference was found for the total score of the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities RQLQ(S) and for the individual domains: activities, sleep, non-nose and non-eye symptoms, and nasal symptoms. For the TCRS and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score, a dose response was seen, with numerically lower, nonsignificant differences for 1 and 3 SQ-HDM. The predefined analysis for the entire trial population showed no statistically significant difference between the placebo and actively treated groups. No safety concerns were observed.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy in mild to severe AR of 6 SQ-HDM compared with placebo was demonstrated by statistically significant improvements in TCRS and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score in subjects with AR present at baseline. The treatment was well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT, no 2006-001795-20; ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00389363.

Sleep impairment and daytime sleepiness in patients with allergic rhinitis: the role of congestion and inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of rhinitis with stress, fatigue, decrease productivity, inflammation, and sleep disordered breathing.

DATA SOURCES

Medical literature obtained from OVID and PubMed searches in February 2013 using the search terms "sleep," "rhinitis," "allergic rhinitis," "somnolence," and "fatigue".

STUDY SELECTIONS

Studies were selected based on the US Preventive Services Task Force levels 1, 2, and 3.

RESULTS

Allergic rhinitis is a disease that severely affects patients' quality of life and is increasing in prevalence worldwide. Nasal congestion is reported as the most common and bothersome symptom; it is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing, a likely cause of sleep impairment in rhinitis-affected individuals. The end result is a reduced quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and stress. Current treatment modalities include intranasal corticosteroids, which have been found to reduce nasal congestion. Clinical trials on intranasal corticosteroids have provided data on sleep-related end points, and these studies report that the improved nasal congestion is associated with improved quality of life with better sleep and reduced daytime fatigue. Alternate therapies, including montelukast, also decrease nasal congestion and positively influence sleep, but to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

This review examines nasal congestion and cytokine changes and the associated sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis patients and the effect on daytime performance. It elaborates the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how therapies directed at reducing nasal congestion can relieve such effects.

Sleep and allergic disease: a summary of the literature and future directions for research

Atopic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, are common conditions that can influence sleep and subsequent daytime functioning. Children and patients with allergic conditions from ethnic minority groups might be particularly vulnerable to poor sleep and compromised daytime functioning because of the prevalence of these illnesses in these groups and the high level of morbidity. Research over the past 10 years has shed light on the pathophysiologic mechanisms (eg, inflammatory mediators) involved in many atopic diseases that can underlie sleep disruptions as a consequence of the presence of nocturnal symptoms. Associations between nocturnal symptoms and sleep and poorer quality of life as a result of missed sleep have been demonstrated across studies. Patients with severe illness and poor control appear to bear the most burden in terms of sleep impairment. Sleep-disordered breathing is also more common in patients with allergic diseases. Upper and lower airway resistance can increase the risk for sleep-disordered breathing events. In patients with allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion is a risk factor for apnea and snoring. Finally, consistent and appropriate use of medications can minimize nocturnal asthma or allergic symptoms that might disrupt sleep. Despite these advances, there is much room for improvement in this area. A summary of the sleep and allergic disease literature is reviewed, with methodological, conceptual, and clinical suggestions presented for future research.

Sleep disorders, medical conditions, and road accident risk

Sleep disorders and various common acute and chronic medical conditions directly or indirectly affect the quality and quantity of one's sleep or otherwise cause excessive daytime fatigue. This article reviews the potential contribution of several prevalent medical conditions - allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis - and chronic fatigue syndrome and clinical sleep disorders - insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement of sleep, and restless legs syndrome - to the risk for drowsy-driving road crashes. It also explores the literature on the cost-benefit of preventive interventions, using obstructive sleep apnea as an example. Although numerous investigations have addressed the impact of sleep and medical disorders on quality of life, few have specifically addressed their potential deleterious effect on driving performance and road incidents. Moreover, since past studies have focused on the survivors of driver crashes, they may be biased. Representative population-based prospective multidisciplinary studies are urgently required to clarify the role of the fatigue associated with common ailments and medications on traffic crash risk of both commercial and non-commercial drivers and to comprehensively assess the cost-effectiveness of intervention strategies.

Congestion and sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease in developed nations, and its prevalence has been increasing throughout the world. Nasal congestion is the most common and bothersome symptoms of rhinitis. Congestion is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and is thought to be a key cause of sleep impairment in individuals with rhinitis. The end result is a decrease in quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has been shown to reduce nasal congestion. Data on sleep-related end points from clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids indicate that this reduction is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved quality of life. Other therapies, such as montelukast, also have a positive influence on congestion and sleep. This review examines nasal congestion and the associated sleep impairment of allergic rhinitis patients. It explores the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how these conditions can be reduced by therapies that decrease congestion.

Sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis

Sleep impairment is a significant problem for patients with inflammatory disorders of the upper respiratory tract, such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. Nasal congestion, one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of these conditions, is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and is thought to be a key cause of sleep impairment. This review examines sleep impairment associated with allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. It explores the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on patients' quality of life and how these inflammatory nasal conditions can be reduced by therapies that address the underlying problems affecting sleep. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has been shown to reduce nasal congestion in inflammatory disorders of the upper respiratory tract. Data on sleep-related end points from clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids indicate that this reduction is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved quality of life. Further research using measures of sleep as primary end points is warranted, based on the potential of these agents to improve sleep and quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. Such trials will help to identify the most effective therapies for sleep impairment in these 3 nasal conditions.

Therapeutic options for reducing sleep impairment in allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory disorders of the upper airways, such as allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis, often have significant sleep disturbances. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, daytime somnolence, impaired daytime functioning as reflected in lower levels of productivity at work or school, and a reduced quality of life. Although the exact mechanisms by which these inflammatory nasal conditions disturb sleep is not fully understood, congestion appears to be a key factor and is generally the most common and bothersome symptom for patients with these conditions. Successful therapy should improve patients' sleep and well-being without introducing any negative effects on sleep. SCOPE OF LITERATURE SEARCH: Literature searches of Medline, Embase, and abstracts from medical/scientific conferences were conducted for the period of 1995 through mid-2006 for primary and review articles and conference presentations about sleep disturbance related to allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis. These searches also sought to identify articles examining how treatments for those diseases improved sleep and, consequently, patients' quality of life. Surveys of the impact of congestion on patients' quality of life and their sleep also were consulted. Clinical studies were selected for discussion if they were randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Limitations of this review include the absence of any direct comparisons of the effectiveness of different drugs on improving sleep and shortcomings in the statistical methods of the patient surveys.

FINDINGS

Intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) are the most effective medication for reducing congestion in patients with inflammatory nasal conditions. There is a growing amount of evidence that a reduction in congestion with INSs is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime sleepiness, and enhanced patient quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Relief of sleep impairment associated with inflammatory disorders of the nose and sinuses can be addressed with INS therapy.

Nasal dilator strip therapy for chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia and symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing: a randomized controlled trial

To test the impact of nasal dilator strips (NDSs) on insomnia severity, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life. Randomized, controlled trial of 4 weeks' duration. Community sample of nonobese, adults with a primary sleep complaint of chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia and mild to moderate SDB symptoms (treatment, n=42; control, n=38). Primary outcomes were four validated scales: Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (QLESQ). Secondary outcomes were sleep indices, nonrestorative sleep ratings, and SDB symptoms, assessed retrospectively and prospectively. Both groups received nonspecific education about sleep disorders. Treatment group also received a brief SDB education and nasal strip instructions. At 4 weeks' follow-up, the treatment group demonstrated significant (p=.0001), large improvements in ISI and PSQI (mean Cohen's d=1.18) and significant (p<.02), medium-sized improvements in FOSQ and QLESQ (mean d=0.51) compared to small, nonsignificant changes in control group (Cohen's d range=0.36-0.09). Treatment group change scores among all four primary variables were significantly correlated (mean r=0.50, p=0.01). Secondary prospective and retrospective outcomes showed medium to large improvements in treatment compared to controls for sleep indices (mean d=0.52 vs 0.28), nonrestorative sleep ratings (mean d=0.69 vs 0.11), and sleep breathing symptoms (mean d=0.47 vs 0.09). Significance was obtained for prospective sleep indices (p=0.01), retrospective, and prospective nonrestorative sleep ratings (p=0.003, <0.05), and retrospective sleep breathing symptoms (p=0.03). SDB education and NDSs demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in a select sample of insomnia patients with SDB symptoms. Replication of results requires placebo controls and objectively confirmed SDB cases.