More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, and it is considered the sixth leading cause of chronic illnesses in the US. When the season changes or triggers, such as dust spores, mold, and pet dander, are present, it can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose, non-stop sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Sleeping is already challenging for most people, and allergies only make it worse.
Unfortunately, people with sleep apnea are not exempted from having allergies, which makes their trying to sleep even more unpleasant. In this article, we’ll tell you how a CPAP machine (or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine) can make things better for these patients.
How Allergies Can Prevent You from Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
Allergies cause nasal passages to swell and produce excessive secretions. When a person with an allergy lays down at night, mucus starts to block their throat and airway passage. It makes their nasal passages congested, preventing them from breathing in air. All these can make the person feel uneasy and uncomfortable throughout the night, keeping them awake most of the time.
Now, imagine if this person already has sleep apnea in the first place. Allergies will worsen sleep apnea. People with allergies already have enlarged nasal turbinates, and when allergies occur, it can make breathing more complicated for that person. In fact, one study found that symptoms of sleep apnea intensify for patients with allergic rhinitis.
Enjoying a good night’s rest can be a challenging experience for such an individual. Fortunately, a CPAP machine can help improve their situation.
How a CPAP Machine Can Give You Allergy Relief
People who cannot breathe through their noses usually use their mouths. Sometimes, this can produce louder sounds than snoring, and they end up disrupting their partner’s sleep.
With the help of a CPAP machine, a person with allergies and sleep apnea can have a constant stream of air that keeps their airways open the entire night. This device allows their body to get enough oxygen at night, makes them feel comfortable, and gives them a better sleep.
There are CPAP machines available that also have built-in heated humidifiers. This type of machine is advisable for people who want to reduce their allergy symptoms. Cold air can trigger mucus, which is the main cause of congestion. CPAP machines with humidifiers work by providing air to the patient while adding moisture and warmth to their air passages. This helps address the dryness and relieve the throat from inflammation.
Treat Your Allergies Properly
Allergies are the worst, but there are always treatments to reduce the impact they cause your health. While all of the symptoms can give a patient an uncomfortable experience, nasal congestion causes the most irritation. When it worsens, it can decrease the humidity of inhaled air and lead to increased histamine levels and even throat swelling.
Allergies come from various triggers and therefore have different possible treatments, but CPAP machines can be a game-changer in addressing these sleeping concerns.
Sleep Center in Jacksonville, FL
Do you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea? Jacksonville Sleep Center provides solutions for your sleeping and breathing troubles. We are ready to provide our patients with home sleep study units shipped directly to their homes. Contact us today for a virtual appointment.
