Nasal congestion and its relationship with hypoxia: pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical correlates, and therapeutic perspectives
https://doi.org/10.33667/2782-4101-2025-3-19-23
Abstract
Nasal congestion is a common condition in which reduced nasal patency alters respiratory aerodynamics, increases upper airway resistance, and promotes a shift to mouth breathing, particularly during sleep. These changes impair ventilation–perfusion matching, decrease gas-exchange efficiency, and may lead to systemic or local hypoxia, especially in sleep-disordered breathing and in children who are obligate nasal breathers. Clinical evidence demonstrates that both chronic and acute nasal obstruction are associated with reduced SpO2, increased intermittent hypoxemia, sleep disruption, and cognitive and behavioral consequences. Medical and surgical relief of obstruction improves nasal airflow, decreases the severity of hypoxic episodes, and enhances the effectiveness of sleep-disordered breathing treatment. Thus, maintaining nasal patency is a key component in the prevention and correction of hypoxia across diverse patient populations.
About the Authors
D. B. Sodnomov
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sodnomov Dashinima Barasovich
Moscow
A. S. Timryazansky
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Timryazansky Aleksey Stanislavovich
Moscow
G. D. Omarova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Omarova Gidayat Dzhabrailovna
Moscow
U. A. Dzhabrailova
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dzhabrailova Umuraziyat Abdullaevna
Moscow
Yu. A. Nurlubaeva
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (Pirogov University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nurlubaeva Yulduz Alibulatovna
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Sodnomov D.B., Timryazansky A.S., Omarova G.D., Dzhabrailova U.A., Nurlubaeva Yu.A. Nasal congestion and its relationship with hypoxia: pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical correlates, and therapeutic perspectives. International journal of Innovative Medicine. 2025;(3):19-23. https://doi.org/10.33667/2782-4101-2025-3-19-23
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