Is There a Connections Between Sinusitis and Sleep Apnea?

Is There a Connections Between Sinusitis and Sleep Apnea?

We’ve all experienced a poor night’s sleep due to a stuffy nose. It’s hard to sleep when it’s hard to breathe as we become uncomfortable and possibly start to snore. The result is an inability to get a good night’s sleep that leaves you feeling tired in the morning. 

What is Sinusitis?

Sinusitis or sinus infection is the swelling and inflammation in the sinuses. The sinuses are small air spaces located behind your forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes. These produce mucus that keeps nasal passages moist and traps dirt particles and germs.

The congestion and swelling in the sinuses make it difficult for air to pass through, which can be uncomfortable (2). 

According to the American Rhinologic Society, your reflex is to breathe through your nose while you’re asleep. But the sinus inflammation and swelling caused by sinusitis can force you to breathe through your mouth instead.

There are different types of sinusitis that can last for different lengths of time;

Acute sinusitis: It has the shortest duration and may last for up to 4 weeks (3). Sub-acute sinusitis: Symptoms last longer than the standard acute period, for up to 3 months. It commonly occurs with bacterial infections or seasonal allergies.Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms persist, or frequently return, after 12 weeks. It may need more invasive treatment.

Usually, your sinuses drain every 10 minutes to maintain a clear passage. When you get a cold or suffer from allergies, the nasal passages typically swell up. It blocks the flow of the sinuses. However, when you are sick, the nasal passages are unable to clean themselves naturally. It leads to a build-up of mucus that contains bacteria.

If bacteria continue to build up in the nasal passages, it leads to inflammation. Subsequent nasal congestion will most likely prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.

The symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. They are similar to those of a common cold that may include:

Reduced sense of smellFeverStuffy or runny noseHeadache from sinus pressureFatigueCough

Fast Facts On Sinusitis

It affects 31 million people in the United States each year (4).Allergies, bacteria, or a virus can cause sinus infection.Swimmers, smokers, second-hand smokers are more likely to contract sinusitis.This condition usually goes away without treatment, but sometimes medical attention is needed.Doctors often refer to sinusitis as rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nose known as rhinitis).

Final words from Well-Aware-System Experts

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder, while sinusitis is a temporary infection. The definite connection between sinusitis and sleep apnea is still not clear. But sinusitis can worse your OSA symptoms.Deviated septum of your nose cannot cause sleep apnea. But if you already have an airway obstruction, it can worse your sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea associated with chronic sinusitis can be treated effectively if you treat your sinusitis.

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