Association between Allergic Rhinitis-Related Factors and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Korean Adults over 40: The 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)
10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.2.98
- Author:
HyunAh LEE
1
;
Chang-Jin CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Korean Journal of Family Practice
2024;14(2):98-104
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:The prevalence of both obstructive sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis is high and these often co-exist. This study investigated the association between allergic rhinitis-related factors and the risk of sleep apnea in Korean adults.
Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 8,956 Korean adults aged 40 years or older who participated in the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2019 and 2021. Allergic rhinitis-related factors were divided into two categories: allergic rhinitis symptoms (symptoms) and prevalence of allergic disease (prevalence). Symptoms were investigated through a questionnaire and the prevalence of allergic disease was based on the doctor’s diagnosis. The risk of sleep apnea was calculated through the STOP-Bang questionnaire (snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender), and a score of ≥3 is considered as a high-risk group. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of symptoms or prevalence on the risk of sleep apnea.
Results:The risk of sleep apnea increased 1.26 times (95% confidential interval [CI], 1.10–1.44) in patients with symptoms and was higher in patients with severe rhinitis (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% CI, 1.12–1.83). A higher risk of sleep apnea was associated with allergic disease, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02–1.66, adjusted for general characteristics).
Conclusion:Severe allergic rhinitis symptoms and a history of allergic disease increased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
