Pollen allergies increase obstructive sleep apnea risk

A new study suggests that pollen allergies may increase the risk of a condition called obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This condition causes difficulties in breathing during sleep. Researchers looked at data from over 6,500 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2018. Among these, 3,258 were identified as having OSAHS based on their answers to questions about snoring, daytime sleepiness, and breathing interruptions at night. Participants who reported experiencing hay fever in the past year were considered to have pollen allergies, or pollinosis. The study found a significant connection between pollinosis and OSAHS, even after considering other factors like age and body mass index. Among the additional risk factors for OSAHS, younger age, being male, and larger waist size were significant. The researchers emphasize that these findings could help doctors recognize people who are at risk for OSAHS earlier, especially those with pollen allergies. However, the study has limitations. It could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between pollinosis and OSAHS. There were also no clinical evaluations or detailed allergy tests included. The authors of the study stated they had no conflicts of interest.