To treat snoring with nasal steroids - effects on more than one level?
CONCLUSIONS
An inflammatory swelling in the uvula and nose due to vibration might be a contributing factor in snoring. The presence of corticosteroid receptors in the uvula indicates the possibility for treatment with local steroids. Use of mometasone furoate (MF) for 3 months reduced snoring and related symptoms in some patients.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of a nasal steroid, MF, on snoring and related discomfort.


METHODS
In the first part of the study, uvular and nasal biopsies from six patients with social snoring were examined using immunohistochemistry to evaluate whether corticosteroid receptors were present. Then 100 snoring patients were invited to participate in the second part of the study. In all, 72 men and 22 women with a mean age of 47 years and BMI 27 answered a questionnaire about symptoms, had ENT status assessed and reported sleep and related variables for a 7 day period. After randomization to placebo or MF, they used a nasal spray for 3 months at a dosage of 200 microg. Thereafter the procedure was repeated.


RESULTS
Corticosteroid receptors were present in the mucous membranes and around the blood vessels in all uvulas examined. A total of 84 patients were evaluated. No decrease in 'mean snoring score' was seen. Daytime sleepiness showed a slight improvement in the MF group and partners were less disturbed. Minor side effects were equal for both groups.
Hultcrantz
Elisabeth
E
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. Elisabeth.Hultcrantz@liu.se
Harder
Lena
L
Harder
Henrik
H
Zetterlund
Eva-Lena
EL
Roberg
Karin
K
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D011244:Pregnadienediols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects; D012913:Snoring / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D014609:Uvula / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011244:Pregnadienediols; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate