Screening for Nasal Patency-Article: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Survey as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Article: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Survey as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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A study conducted at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine explored the use of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study administered the NOSE survey, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Snore Outcomes Scale (SOS) to new patients visiting facial plastic surgery and rhinology practices. The study found that patients with elevated NOSE scores, snoring, and a deviated septum had a higher probability of having an elevated ESS score, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness. The study concluded that the NOSE survey could serve as a simple screening tool for identifying patients at risk for undiagnosed OSA and in need of special perioperative management. This is important because many patients undergoing sinonasal surgery have undiagnosed OSA or nasal obstruction, which increases the risk of perioperative complications. The study suggested that the NOSE survey, along with knowledge of snoring status and clinical examination, could be used to predict patients at risk for OSA without administering a separate survey like the ESS. By identifying these high-risk patients, surgeons can refer them for further evaluation and tailor their perioperative management to minimize complications. The study emphasized the importance of addressing the unique needs of OSA patients before surgery and suggested that the incorporation of screening instruments like the NOSE survey into clinical practice would require minimal effort. Overall, the study highlights the potential utility of the NOSE survey as a screening tool for OSA in patients with nasal obstruction.

Keywords

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation

NOSE survey

obstructive sleep apnea

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Snore Outcomes Scale

deviated septum

excessive daytime sleepiness

perioperative management

sinonasal surgery