Sleep Apnea and Seasonal Allergy

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition in which the body’s main airway collapses or becomes constricted during sleep. As a result, this decreases the quality of one’s sleep and will have a negative impact on physical and mental health. While sleep apnea is not directly caused by seasonal allergies, many of the symptoms have been linked. The wellness professionals at Joseph K. Askinasi, DC, DABCO, in NYC and Rye, NY, are equipped to explain the correlation between allergy season and sleep apnea.

While allergies can occur year-round, seasonal allergies are often triggered by airborne particles such as pollen or mold. While specific symptoms depend on the individual, the most common ones—such as nasal congestion—have a direct impact on sleep quality. Nasal congestion causes the upper airway to narrow and can dry out the mouth, leading to the breathing pauses that accompany sleep apnea—as well as loud and excessive snoring. In some cases, allergies can also be responsible for tonsil swelling, which is another way airways can become blocked.

To reduce the intensity or likelihood of sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to take steps to reduce your allergy symptoms. For example, you can take over-the-counter allergy medications with an antihistamine to open up your nasal passages and improve your quality of sleep.  You could take a more natural approach as to diet and antihistamine supplementation, we will direct you on this path should you choose.  However, if you wear a CPAP mask, it’s best to see a specialist, as allergy symptoms can interfere with this treatment.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, Dr. Askinasi can help by applying cranio-sacral and other conservative techniques as well as recommending changes to your diet and lifestyle. For the leading chiropractic clinic in NYC and Rye, NY, turn to the team at Joseph K. Askinasi, DC, DABCO. This trusted wellness center provides long-term solutions and high-quality treatments to improve your health. Call (914) 481-4692 today to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about this local practice.