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YES! Allergies can lead to snoring which equals sleepless nights.
The truth is that allergies will make snoring worse. If your partner has started complaining about your snoring as the seasons change, allergies may be the cause. Allergies that cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and even a runny nose can often cause more frequent or even louder snoring.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to small airborne particles called allergens. In some people, these allergens irritate the nose, throat, and eyes, leading to cold-like symptoms. This allergic reaction, also known as hay fever, can cause symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and watery eyes.
Most common offenders of allergic rhinitis:
Pollen
Pet dander
Mold
Insects
Types of Allergies
Nasal passages can be irritated by two kinds of allergens — seasonal and perennial.
According to an article by UpToDate, the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis is pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. The most common cause of perennial allergens are dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, and fungi (molds). Allergic reactions to perennial allergens may be more difficult to treat. Read more here.
How Do Allergies Affect Sleep and Snoring?
Allergies affect sleep when the symptoms cause congestion and interrupt breathing at night. The body’s natural tendency is to breathe through the nose while asleep. When the nose is blocked due to irritation or congestion, the body will turn to mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth at night causes the soft structure in the back of the mouth to vibrate and cause a rattling sound also known as snoring.
Snoring alone is not a health problem, just a nuisance to our bed partners. Severe allergic rhinitis can lead to blocked nasal passages and cause a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. With this disorder, your breathing is often interrupted and sometimes briefly stops. Obstructive sleep apnea is serious and can lead to other health conditions due to it limiting the oxygen that your brain and body need.
What To Do if Allergies Are Affecting My Sleep
Finding treatment for allergic rhinitis can successfully reduce snoring and decrease other symptoms related to poor-quality sleep. If you believe that you are suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your family physician. Your doctor can diagnose allergic rhinitis by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical examination.
Your doctor may recommend discovering which allergens are the culprits behind your symptoms. You may need to undergo a skin test to discover the answer.
At Topeka ENT, our physicians are trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of allergies and asthma. We offer allergy testing and proven treatment plans to ease your seasonal or year-round suffering.
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