When is it the most difficult to breathe? When do you revert to mouth breathing as much as you try to avoid it? That’s right, when you’re sick. Stuffy noses, chest congestion, and the like. Cold and flu season is underway and having a complex effect on us with the combination of the seasonal flu, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. What could possibly make it worse? If someone already struggles to breathe at night.
Difficulty Breathing at Night
If you’re used to jolting awake in the middle of the night gasping for breath, we have bad news for you … cold and flu season isn’t likely to help. Those late night, urgent wake ups are likely the result of obstructive sleep apnea. And while interrupted breathing is concerning on its own, sleep apnea also makes you more susceptible to illness.
What does flu season mean for people who already suffer from [link id=’108′ text=’sleep apnea‘ esc_html=’false’]?
Catching the Flu With Sleep Apnea
Interrupted sleeping at night is more than inconvenient, it affects your immune system. Our recommendation? Make sure you’re receiving treatment for your sleep apnea and take precautions to avoid the flu.
Data from a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, shows that suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea is linked to hospitalization after contracting the flu. According to this study, 61% of people hospitalized with the flu also suffered from obstructive sleep apnea but were not being treated.
How to Be Cautious
Sleep apnea can mean daytime sleepiness, difficulty breathing, snoring, fatigue, regular headaches, and many other symptoms. The most important thing you can do to fight back this flu season is to consult with a sleep apnea specialist or advanced practice dentist. The study mentioned above from the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine noted that out of the total number of people hospitalized with the flu, only 24% used a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. A drastic difference from the 61 percent of sleep apnea sufferers not being treated.
What else can you do?
- Get a flu shot
- Wash your hands more often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home
- Take steps to strengthen your immune system
- Consider wearing a mask in public places
- Avoid crowds or practice social distancing
Sleep Apnea Treatment
People concerned they may be afflicted by sleep apnea symptoms can seek diagnosis and information on treatment options by contacting Dr. Marzban’s office at 703-349-4277 and scheduling a consultation.
