A Study Finds that Treating Snoring Can Reduce Heartburn and Coughing at Night
Introduction
A recent study has discovered that treating snoring can have additional benefits, such as reducing heartburn and coughing at night. The study specifically looked at the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which are commonly used to assist individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS).
How CPAP Machines Work
CPAP machines function by blowing air into the upper respiratory tract through a tube connected to a mask worn during sleep. People with OSAS often experience loud snoring, irregular breathing patterns during sleep, and frequent awakenings throughout the night. These symptoms can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of various health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
The Study’s Findings
A team of researchers from Iceland conducted a study involving 822 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OSAS. These individuals completed sleep questionnaires before beginning CPAP treatment and were reevaluated two years later.
The study revealed that individuals who consistently used CPAP machines experienced a 42% reduction in heartburn at night compared to those who used the machines infrequently or not at all. This decrease in reflux also led to a more than fourfold reduction in the risk of productive morning cough and an almost fourfold reduction in the risk of chronic bronchitis.
Interestingly, participants who regularly used CPAP machines also reported experiencing less wheezing. The evidence suggests that this reduction in wheezing was a direct result of the CPAP treatment rather than a decrease in nocturnal reflux.
Implications and Recommendations
Professor Thoraren Gislason, the lead researcher of the study, emphasized that individuals with OSAS are three times more likely to experience heartburn regularly at night. Additionally, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing are more common among these individuals. Therefore, it is important to consider coughing, persistent wheezing, and nocturnal reflux as potential signs of sleep apnea, which may require CPAP therapy.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the significant benefits of treating snoring and OSAS with CPAP machines. By reducing heartburn, coughing, and wheezing at night, individuals can improve their overall sleep quality and reduce the risk of associated health complications. It is crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult with healthcare professionals and consider CPAP therapy as a potential solution.
Source
Source: Independent
