rhinitis in OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome)
Last edited 09/2021 and last reviewed 09/2021
Managing rhinitis in people with OSAHS (Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome)
- assess people with nasal congestion and OSAHS for underlying allergic or vasomotor rhinitis
- if rhinitis is diagnosed in people with OSAHS, offer initial treatment with:
- topical nasal corticosteroids or antihistamines for allergic rhinitis or
- topical nasal corticosteroids for vasomotor rhinitis
- for people with OSAHS and persistent rhinitis, consider referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist if:
- symptoms do not improve with initial treatment or
- anatomical obstruction is suspected
- be aware that:
- rhinitis can affect people's tolerance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) but changing from a nasal to an orofacial mask and adding humidification can help
- CPAP can worsen or cause rhinitis and nasal congestion
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