Effects of Xinghanxiang Nasal Inhalation Therapy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Hypopnea Syndrome and Upper Airway Inflammation

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Xinghanxiang nasal inhalation therapy in treating obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its effects on upper airway inflammation. METHODS: A total of 180 patients with OSAHS were matched according to disease severity and randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group, with 90 patients in each group. In the control group, patients with mild OSAHS received routine therapy, whereas those with moderate to severe OSAHS received continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. In the intervention group, patients with mild OSAHS received routine therapy plus Xinghanxiang nasal inhalation therapy, and those with moderate to severe OSAHS received routine therapy combined with Xinghanxiang nasal inhalation therapy along with CPAP therapy. Clinical symptoms, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 in nasal lavage fluid were evaluated. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in clinical symptoms (including quality-of-life scores), ESS, and AHI compared with baseline (P