Snoring, apnea, and nasal resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the impact of the nose in relation to snoring, to increased and decreased nasal resistance and sleep, to nasal anatomy and physiology in snorers and apneic patients, and to nocturnal episodes of respiratory obstruction in relation to nasal obstruction.

DESIGN

A select group of patients, in whom nasal reconstruction and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) were combined, were studied. A review of the literature is included.

METHODS

A questionnaire was given to all patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' snoring improvement was evaluated postoperatively.

RESULTS

Overall, 174 of the 180 patients (97%) believed their snoring to be improved postoperatively after combined nasal reconstruction and UPPP were done.

CONCLUSION

A review of the literature, a review of snorers' pathophysiology, and the results of this study show that nasal surgery and UPPP combined are effective in improving snoring.