Effect of weight reduction on rhinometric measurements in overweight patients with obstructive sleep apnea

BackgroundElevated nasal resistance and obesity predispose to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight loss has been shown to result in an alleviation of OSA, but its effect on nasal airflow has not been studied.MethodsThis study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study with two parallel groups. A total of 52 adult overweight patients (body mass index [BMI], 28–40 kg/m2) with mild obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index {AHI}, 5–15) were randomized into two study groups. The intervention group (n = 26) followed a very low calorie diet with a supervised lifestyle intervention while the control group (n = 26) received routine lifestyle counseling. The changes in BMI, total nasal resistance, total nasal volume, and quality of life scores (Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, MiniRQLQ) were assessed at baseline and after the intervention at 3 months.ResultsThe reduction in BMI in the intervention group was significantly greater than that achieved by patients in the control group (...