Seasonal Allergies Don’t Just Happen In The Spring

Have you noticed that your allergy symptoms have been more prominent this fall? Many commercials show people sneezing with beautiful spring flowers in the background, so some adults think that allergies are something that are only experienced in the spring. Contrary to popular belief, allergies can be experienced during any season, but many have a difficult time in the fall. If you suffer from both allergies and sleep apnea, you may be finding that you are having a difficult time with your treatment. We want to share some helpful tips to manage your sleep apnea during high allergy times. Read on for more details.

Managing Sleep Apnea and Allergies

Due to high pollen and ragweed counts over the past few years, patients who have never experienced allergy-related symptoms are surprised to learn that their stuffy nose is not a common cold. This is leading to more patients who experience both allergies as well as sleep apnea symptoms. Patients who suffer from both allergies and sleep apnea can have a difficult time managing their treatment. Certain allergies cause the nasal passages, tonsils, and adenoids to swell, increasing the risk of snoring due to the smaller air passages. This can be difficult for anyone to manage, but those who are prone to sleep apnea can really begin to suffer over time. If you have sleep apnea it is important to get your allergies under control to ensure that you are receiving adequate sleep and not disrupting your treatment plan.

Tips to Help Allergy Symptoms

While it is not possible to fully eliminate allergies, there are precautions that you can take to help keep the symptoms minimal:

• Shower or wash well after being outside for an extended period of time
• Do not wear shoes in the house
• Vacuum carpets and rugs frequently
• Change bedsheets frequently
• Invest in an air purifier and check vent filters often
• Wipe down pets who spend time outdoors
• Contact your physician about allergy medication

If you have been experiencing frequent allergy symptoms and it is affecting your sleep apnea treatment plan, be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We are always here to help and assist any of your needs.