Rhinitis in OSAHS (obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome)

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

Reference:

• NICE (August 2021). Obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome in over 16s