Excessive obesity is related to daily symptoms of nasal blockage: the Skövde population-based study.

This study has as its focus on obesity as a factor of importance for nasal blockage. A random sample of 1.900 adults stratified according to age and gender were recruited from the general population. The study included a structured interview about symptoms of nasal blockage and asthma, and a clinical examination with nasal endoscopy. Smoking habits were evaluated by a questionnaire on current and previous smoking. A response rate of 73% was achieved. There was a statistically significant relationship between subjectively experienced daily nasal blockage and registered heavy overweight, but no relationship was found between nasal blockage and age, gender, diabetes or asthma. The odds ratio (OR) for individuals with excessive obesity to have daily symptoms of nasal blockage was 3.7 [95% CI 1.6-7.6]. In patients with nasal blockage, obesity as a cause should be taken into consideration.