16 Mar How Your Allergies May Worsen Sleep Apnea Symptoms
When you suffer from sleep apnea, you don’t get the sleep you need because your condition wakes you up throughout the night. Allergies can exacerbate the problem by blocking your airway even further, and medication side effects can be disruptive as well, so always be in contact with your dentist. If allergies are making sleeping more difficult, read on and see how your allergies may worsen sleep apnea symptoms.
Blocking the Airway
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your airway to become closed off while you’re asleep, so your brain wakes you up periodically throughout the night, so you can catch your breath. Allergies also prevent air from getting to your lungs and your brain, and when you combine the two conditions, you end up dealing with serious health risks. While sleep apnea closes off your throat and causes snoring, allergies tend to prevent oxygen from getting through your nose. This means it’ll be even harder to breathe at night, making your sleep apnea symptoms worse.
Medication Side Effects
As unfortunate as it may be, certain allergy medications come with side effects that can make your sleep apnea worse. Talk to your dentist and your doctor to balance your medications so you can stay comfortable.
Uncomfortable Sleep
Allergies and sleep apnea both make it more difficult to sleep comfortably throughout the night. When you have to fight off symptoms of both at the same time, it’ll be even harder to stay awake and alert during the day and maintain your quality of life. If your allergies bother you while you’re asleep, close your windows to keep the pollen out. You can also invest in HVAC equipment to improve your indoor air quality.
Sleep apnea can give you some real trouble, but allergies will make it even worse, so call John Carson, DDS at (520) 514-7203 and talk to a dentist in Tucson who can treat your symptoms. Take a look at our website to find out how.