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Symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnoea are common in subjects with asthma, chronic bronchitis and rhinitis in a general population

https://doi.org/10.1053/rmed.2001.1054Get rights and content
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported snoring, apnoeas and daytime sleepiness in relation to chronic bronchitis, recurrent wheeze, physician-diagnosed asthma and rhinitis.

This was a questionnaire study in a representative sample of a general population. The study was a part of the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden Studies (OLIN). A total of 5424 subjects aged 20–69 years, born on the 15th day of each month, participated in the study. Eligible answers were obtained from 4648 subjects (85·7%).

Having snoring as a problem was reported by 10·7%. Among subjects with chronic bronchitis it was reported by 25·9%, with recurrent wheeze by 21·3%, with physician-diagnosed asthma by 17·9%, and with rhinitis by 14·7%. Relatives' concerns of witnessed apnoea was reported by 6·8% of all subjects, while among subjects with chronic bronchitis it was reported by 18·1%, with recurrent wheeze by 17·1%, with physician-diagnosed asthma by 14·3%, and with rhinitis by 9·1%. After correction for age, gender and smoking habits, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma, and current smoking were significantly related, with snoring as a problem and with relatives' concern of witnessed apnoeas. Symptoms of daytime sleepiness were significantly related with concern of witnessed apnoeas, chronic bronchitis, snoring as a problem, recurrent wheeze and age 50–59 years.

In conclusion, respiratory symptoms and conditions affecting mainly the lower respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, were related with symptoms common in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Keywords

snoring
sleep apnoea
chronic bronchitis
rhinitis
asthma
epidemiology.

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Correspondence should be addressed to: Lars-Gunnar Larsson, M.D., Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Sunderby Central Hospital of Norrbotten, SE-971 80 Luleå, Sweden. Fax: +46-920 283350; E-mail: [email protected]