Nasal Airway Obstruction and the Quality of Life

Abstract

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of nasal airway  obstruction among patients attending the dental clinic of Ajman University of Science & Technology (AUST) (Fujairah Campus/UAE) and how it affects their quality of life. A sample of 100 patients attending the dental clinic of (AUST) was examined for nasal obstruction. Demographic data, history taking, along with patient assessment of nasal obstruction with a nasal speculum and radiographs, were recorded. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using a questionnaire.The subjects 58% males and 42% females were 10-59 years old. 34% of the patients have nasal obstruction and 15% had history of trauma to the nose. 28% have difficulty in breathing through their nose. Nasal septal deviation accounted for the majority of the cases 94.1%. Nasal obstruction is a precipitating factor of quality of life, 61.7% of the patients were reported to have mild obstruction, 17% moderate obstruction and 2.9% severe obstruction. The study showed that 52% have habitual snoring and the effect of posture was reported to be 8.8%. 

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