Allergic Rhinitis and sleep apnea
What is allergic rhinitis aka hay fever?
Allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as hay fever, is a common source of irritation and inflammation in the nose. Caused by allergens you breathe in through the air, the symptoms vary from runny noses to coughing, and are a recurring problem for those who suffer from them.
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects almost 40% of adolescents around the world, and is influenced by both your genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
In Hong Kong, a quarter of the population suffers from hay fever, making it an extremely prevalent issue. Despite this, most cases are mild and can be effectively treated if properly diagnosed.
Allergic rhinitis hay fever diagnosis
Hay fever cases in Hong Kong are caused by seasonal pollen, but they also can be because of pollution, dust and fluctuating weather. When these particles enter your respiratory system, they can trigger several symptoms including:
● A sore or scratchy throat
● Sensitive or watery eyes
● Coughing and difficulty breathing
● Sneezing
● Running, stuffy or itchy nose
Allergies and sleep apnea
the connection
Allergic reactions can disrupt a normal sleeping pattern. Allergies causes nasal congestion that can result in a dry outh or blockage to your breathing airways and consequently lead to “apnea” – obstructive sleep apnea. Having nose allergies or hay fever can led to allergic reactions such as swelling in the tonsils or adenoids and can cause severve blocking to the airway that can lead to sleep apnea. Further reading between the connection between allergies and sleep apnea can be read in the American Review of Respiratory Disease which mentioned that “in patients with allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apneas are longer and more frequent”.
