Spring Allergies: Itchy Eyes, Sneezing… Snoring?

With the stretch of warm weather we’ve had this spring in the North East, nature is blooming in abundance. And I’m seeing an abundance of people seeking help for their snoring. Coincidence? Not likely. Every year at this time, it’s common for the simple reason that many people suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergic reactions can lead to symptoms that include suffering from snoring.

Allergies, as well as asthma, cold and sinus infections (sinusitis) can cause blocked airways. So, people who regularly sleep with their mouths closed with no symptoms of snoring, have to open their mouths to breathe while they sleep if they have reactions to allergies. The blocked airways make inhaling difficult and cause people to sleep with their mouths open, creating a vacuum in the throat that leads to snoring.

Allergic reactions can mimic sinusitis (sinus infection), which is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages that is characterized by a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or one side of the head. Patients with a sinusitis may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with nasal secretions.

Nasal allergies, which are either seasonal or constantly recurring, increase nasal congestion and can lead to sinusitis. Numerous treatments are available to provide identification and avoidance of allergens. For example, this time of year dust allergies are common, whereas in the fall, mold allergies are more prevalent. Exposure can be reduced with the use of non allergenic bedding, removal of carpeting or upholstery, and the use of an air cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

Additional treatment for nasal allergies include:

• Prescription Nasal Steroid Sprays which decrease allergic and non allergic inflammation in the nose and can be safely used for a long period of time.
  
  
• Non Sedating Antihistamines reduce allergic nasal congestion when used alone or with nasal spray.
  
  
• Allergy Injections are for patients with long-standing identifiable allergies (that may be identified through skin or blood tests). Allergy injections gradually reduce symptoms and the need for medication.

This time of year, with the many trees and flowers blooming, symptoms that lead to snoring are common, even in those who throughout the rest of the year don’t snore. If you’ve recently been snoring, and wish to know the reason why as well as get the appropriate treatment, contact the Manhattan Snoring and Sleep Center today.