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Is There A Connection Between Snoring And Allergies?
Tribune photo by VICTOR JUNCO
Limiting exposure to allergens may help reduce nasal congestion and snoring.
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Published: July 18, 2008
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Most people think of allergy as a condition that interferes with breathing and irritates the nose, eyes and skin during the day. Yet, nasal allergies, which affect 20 percent to 40 percent of the population, also can be a major problem during sleep.
Nasal congestion, one of the major symptoms of allergic nasal disease, contributes significantly to the obstructed air flow that leads to snoring. Snoring, in turn, may disrupt the quality or duration of sleep and is associated with a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. The snoring person often awakens less refreshed or tired. In addition, the distinctive raspy noise of snoring — resulting from vibrating tissue in the throat — may disturb the sleep of roommates or family members.
Congestion is more often a problem with chronic or year-round allergies. Sensitivities to pet dander and dust mites, allergens often found on the bed or in the bedroom, are particularly important in chronic snoring. Seasonal allergies, such as those triggered during the Tampa Bay oak pollen season from January through April, may also be severe enough to cause or aggravate snoring.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, increased fatty tissue in the neck associated with obesity, a deviated septum (bend in the divider separating the left and right airways in the nose), enlarged nasal turbinates (structures in the nose that cause congestion) and nasal polyps (benign growths associated with sinus disease) can all aggravate the congestion caused by allergies.
Points you should consider concerning snoring and nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis:
Snoring is common and usually not a problem, although it is not normal. Snoring that interferes with sleep is a condition requiring medical attention. If your partner or a family member notices that snoring interrupts your breathing while sleeping, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible.
Nasal allergy increases congestion and aggravates snoring.
Treating nasal allergies, particularly with topical corticosteroids, will reduce congestion and may improve sleep and minimize snoring.
Limiting exposure to allergens may help reduce nasal congestion and snoring. This is particularly important with year-round allergens, such as indoor dust mite allergens and animal dander.
Oral antihistamines help some allergy symptoms but typically do not improve congestion or snoring.
If you are overweight, losing weight will generally improve snoring.
Snorers should avoid sleeping pills and consuming alcohol close to bedtime, as these agents usually worsen snoring.
Daytime sleepiness, new onset headaches or increasing fatigue with a history of snoring should be discussed with your physician. These could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Ledford is a professor of medicine and pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at USF Health and the James A. Haley VA Medical Center.
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