How Seasonal Allergies Can Make Sleep Apnea Symptoms Worse

During the winter months, you think about the approaching spring season as motivation to get through the cold and overcast days. However, as the earth warms up and the trees and flowers begin to blossom, the excess pollen can take a toll on your sinuses. For some people, allergy flare-ups can even impact their sleep, and especially worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea. Read on to learn about the connection between the two conditions and what can be done about it.

Understanding Allergic Rhinitis

The medical term, allergic rhinitis, is better known as “hay fever” or “seasonal allergies.” It refers to a group of conditions that affect the nose, and it starts by inhaling something in the air that your body has a defensive reaction to.

Here are some of the common symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Clogged ears
• Inability to smell
• Fatigue and irritability
• Puffiness under the eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Stuffy nose due to nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat or skin

Treatment of allergic symptoms can range from taking over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin, a decongestant like Mucinex or using a nasal spray.

What is Sleep Apnea?

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The term refers to frequent stoppages of breathing throughout a sleep cycle due to the throat being partially or completely blocked.

Here are some of the common warning signs:

• Lost libido
• Loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness
• High blood pressure
• Morning throat soreness

The Similarities Between OSA and Allergies

Similar to OSA, people suffering from allergies may experience daytime fatigue, decreased productivity at work or school, impaired learning, memory loss and depression. It can also cause the nasal pathway to narrow, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of OSA.

How to Get Relief

If you’re suffering from both seasonal allergies and OSA, then it will take a joint effort to get the relief you need. So in addition to taking some of the common allergy medications, you should reach out to a snoring dentist to receive the care you need.

While the most common way of treating OSA is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, many patients find it to be cumbersome and uncomfortable. A custom oral appliance provides a more convenient solution.

While there are several models, they typically fit into the following two categories:

• Mandibular Repositioning Device – Designed more specifically for treating OSA, the device slightly repositions the jaw and tongue to allow for better airflow.
• Tongue Retaining Device – This device places more focus on the position of the tongue, as it’s designed to push it forward to prevent it blocking the throat. This type of oral appliance is typically used for patients with larger tongues, who’ve suffered tooth loss or have chronic pain.

If you’re dealing with allergies and OSA this spring, there is help available for you. Receiving treatment for OSA will be a major step in the right direction.

About the Author

Dr. Robert G. Dernick earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. He would also go on to receive advanced training in the treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep disordered breathing (SDB) problems. Dr. Dernick has temporarily placed non-emergency dental treatments on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis, but once Texas re-opens, he’ll be able to provide sleep dentistry at his private practice. He can be reached for more information through his website.