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Clinical Resource: Nasal Obstruction, CPAP Intolerance, & Sleep Apnea Relief

Description

Nasal obstruction can make it difficult to tolerate CPAP therapy and get the rest you need if you have sleep apnea. In this video, a UAMS Health ENT specialist explains how issues like a deviated septum can interfere with breathing and CPAP use — and how treating nasal blockage can significantly improve comfort, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Learn about the stepwise approach to care, starting with medical treatments such as topical nasal steroids, saline irrigations, and antihistamines for allergies. When medications aren’t enough, in-office procedures or surgical options may be considered to address the source of obstruction. If nasal congestion is standing between you and effective sleep apnea treatment, UAMS Health offers expert evaluation and personalized solutions to help you breathe easier.

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Nasal Obstruction, CPAP Intolerance, & Sleep Apnea Relief with UAMS Otolaryngologist, Dr. Merrill

Transcript

One common reason that we see patients for nasal obstruction is intolerance of CPAP and sleep apnea. So having a deviated nasal septum can make using a CPAP more difficult. Having that addressed can really improve people’s quality of life and their ability to use CPAP and get relief from their sleep apnea symptoms.

When we’re treating nasal obstruction, usually the first thing that we’ll start with is topical nasal steroids. Occasionally, we’ll use saline irrigations as well. And sometimes, in patients who suffer from seasonal allergies, topical antihistamines may provide relief as well.

After that, if that’s not impacting the patient in a way that they want, we may consider things like in-office procedures or even surgical procedures once we’ve identified the source of obstruction within their nose.

Related Conditions

Related Providers

Tyler B. Merrill, M.D.

Tyler B. Merrill, M.D. Otolaryngologist

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Related Areas of Expertise

Ear, Nose and Throat Care

ENT doctors can treat issues that range from the everyday to the complex. We provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for a wide range of conditions.

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