Ever have one of those days when it’s the middle of day and you just can’t stay awake? If it happens frequently, it may be an indicator of obstructed nasal passages and sleep-disordered breathing, according to a study published in the October 2007 edition of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
Nasal obstruction is an upper airway condition that can be caused by a variety of maladies, such as allergies, rhinosinusitis, or a deviated septum.
According to a Japanese study, people with chronic nasal obstruction are twice as likely to experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) than those without nasal obstruction.
The study also suggests these same people are five times more likely to suffer from habitual observed apnea. Left untreated, apnea may lead to excessive sleepiness, diabetes, glaucoma, memory loss, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, greater risk of heart attack and stroke, and a host of other health issues.
The study, which assessed 6,790 patients through self-administered surveys, also concludes that while nasal obstruction in itself is not life-threatening, the course of condition can severely impact a person’s quality of life by negatively affecting their work and social activities.
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