Is your snoring caused by asthma?
Can snoring worsen the symptoms of asthma?
Many health conditions are associated with snoring as either a cause, a symptom, or both. Among these is asthma, which is a very common condition impacting both children and adults in Australia.
Let’s explore what you should know about asthma and snoring.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that’s caused by widespread narrowing of the lower respiratory tract airways (within the lungs). The muscles surrounding these airways constrict and this causes irritation and inflammation, which in turn results in swelling of the lining of the airways and increased mucous secretion.
Symptoms can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, chest tightness and possibly coughing up phlegm.
According to the Australian Government Institute of Health and Welfare and Asthma Australia:
- Approximately 11% of Australians live with asthma
- Asthma is a major health burden in Australia, representing 2.5% of the total disease burden and 35% of the respiratory condition disease burden.
- Asthma is the leading cause of disease in Australian children aged 1-9 years.
- The prevalence of asthma is higher in males aged 0-14, but then higher in females aged over 15 years.
- 75% of people with asthma are woken by symptoms at nighttime at least once weekly – and 40% experience symptoms every night
- Untreated or poorly managed asthma can be fatal.
What Causes Asthma?
The root cause of asthma isn’t well understood however known risk factors and triggers include:
- Genetic predisposition (a parent or grandparent was affected)
- Viral respiratory infections (e.g. influenza, bronchitis, rhinovirus, COVID-19)
- Environmental exposure to inhaled triggers: air pollution, allergens (e.g. pollen, pet dander, mould), tobacco smoke or vape fumes, chemical irritants, and strong odours (e.g. perfume)
- Bushfires and thunderstorms
- Certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and beta-blockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, cardiac issues, and migraine)
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy
- Food sensitivities
- Cold air
- Stress
- Exercise/exertion
- Obesity
There is also a proven association between asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is commonly diagnosed in people with asthma, and acid reflux can trigger an asthma attack. Acid reflux can also cause snoring. (We will explore this further in a future article).
What is an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack is a sudden flare-up during which asthma symptoms dramatically worsen. It is caused by the muscles surrounding the airways tightening up, becoming swollen and irritated, and excess mucous being produced. Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness can become severe and it can be extremely difficult to get enough air into (and out of) the lungs. It is extremely distressing and, without immediate treatment with prescription medicines on hand or emergency care, it can be life-threatening.
Asthma & Snoring
Asthma symptoms can be worse at night:
- Snoring inhibits sleep
- Sleep deprivation increases inflammation in the body
- Inflammation makes asthma worse – affecting lung function
- The likelihood of an asthma attack increases if you snore
Snoring occurs when the tissues of the upper airways (nose, mouth, throat) become narrowed or blocked. Since asthma itself also narrows or obstructs the lower airways, breathing when you both snore and have asthma becomes even more difficult – and it can be dangerous if untreated.
This is particularly troublesome in people who have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – which is characterised by moderate to severe snoring, snorting/gasping, sleep disruption, low oxygen levels in the body, and daytime sleepiness and fatigue. People are more likely to develop OSA if they have asthma, especially if it is difficult to control or they are also overweight and/or have GORD.
OSA worsens asthma symptoms and makes it more likely to experience an asthma attack.
Living – and Sleeping – Healthier with Asthma
If you have asthma:
- Take all medications as prescribed (bronchodilators, steroids, immunotherapy) and keep them on hand at all times – in your home, car, handbag, pocket, workplace, etc.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight or obese and struggling to lose weight, see your doctor.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking/vaping.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol, especially within a few hours of bedtime, and avoid using sedatives.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water – hydration is important for thinning mucous secretions in the body.
- Be careful with scented products (deodorants, perfumes, air fresheners, scented candles, etc)
- Maintain a healthy sleep schedule. Reduce allergens in your bedroom.
- Try to sleep on your side rather than your back. Sleeping on the left side is ideal, as this minimises the impact of GORD.
- If you have been diagnosed with GORD, speak with your GP to make sure you are treating it appropriately and effectively.
- If you snore, discuss this with your GP to ensure you don’t also have obstructive sleep apnoea. This condition requires a specific management approach, which likely includes the use of CPAP for sleep.
Live Healthier & Feel Better: Use SnoreMD Snoring Treatment in Australia
Minimising snoring is important for everyone, but especially important if you have asthma. Using the SnoreMD anti-snoring mouthpiece is a safe, affordable, and convenient way for adults who snore to minimise or even stop snoring for a healthier night’s sleep.
Treating snoring may help reduce inflammation in the body, including that which occurs due to asthma. Likewise, properly treating asthma may help improve snoring.
SnoreMD is proudly Australian-made and owned. It works by gently positioning the lower jaw forward in 1-10mm increments (you set it to the right level for yourself); this effectively opens the airways of the mouth and throat, thereby helping to prevent the vibrations of the upper airways that cause snoring, optimising breathing and improving oxygenation in the body.
Sleep more deeply, enjoy better health outcomes, and improve your overall well-being – try SnoreMD for yourself! Understand more about SnoreMD and purchase your own SnoreMD now!
