Scientists conducted a preliminary human study of an experimental nasal spray for the treatment of sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) —a common pathology associated with a sharp decrease or complete cessation of breathing during night rest. The disease is characterized by temporary collapse of the soft tissues of the upper respiratory tract, which leads to their complete closure (obstruction). The most well-known symptom of OSA is snoring. The disease leads to a decrease in blood oxygen levels, severe fragmentation
sleep and daytime sleepiness.
Currently there are no approveddrugs for the treatment of OSA. Sometimes CPAP therapy (CPAP, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is used. A special device uses compressed air to keep a person's airways open while they sleep. The problem is that they are expensive, bulky and inconvenient.
To solve the problem of apnea, scientists tested a new drug. It increases the activity of the muscles that are responsible for the functioning of the pharynx.
The tested medicine is intended foreffects on the expressed receptors on the surface of the muscles that surround the upper respiratory tract. As a result, they remain open during sleep.
The study authors note that this is “the firstA detailed study of a new treatment for people with OSA and targeting these receptors could be a promising avenue for future treatments.
Read more:
Does science exist in extreme conditions? We answer in numbers
The Yellowstone supervolcano turned out to be many times more dangerous than scientists thought
The egg was dropped from space: look what happened to it