If your doctor believes that you may have obstructive sleep apnea, he or she may refer you to a sleep clinic. There, you will have a sleep study to determine the severity of your sleep apnea. Various factors can raise your risk for obstructive sleep apnea, and because of this, you will need to talk to your sleep specialist to determine if any of your risk factors can be modified to lower your risk. Here are some health issues to discuss with your sleep medicine doctor that may heighten your risk for sleep apnea. 

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease may increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been associated with sleep apnea, so be sure to talk to your sleep specialist if you have thyroid disease. Other types of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and lupus may also raise your risk for sleep apnea.

You are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea when your autoimmune disorders are poorly managed, however, even if your disease is well-managed, you still may be at risk. Thyroid disorder may predispose you to diabetes, which is another risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. If you have hypothyroidism, you may be overweight because it can cause a slow metabolic rate. Your sleep doctor may advise you to lose weight because doing so will help reduce snoring and apnea episodes. 

Chronic Allergies

Chronic allergies can lead to nasal congestion. When your nasal passages are congested, you may be unable to breathe effectively, which can trigger apnea episodes. In addition, chronic allergies can lead to postnasal drip. When you have postnasal drip, mucus from your nose drips down into your throat. Postnasal drip can cause inflammation of your throat and airway, which can further predispose you to sleep apnea.

Allergy medications such as antihistamines can also trigger sleep apnea because they can relax your throat muscles, leading to airway obstruction. If you have allergies and subsequent nasal congestion, drink plenty of water to help thin out nasal secretion. Inhaling steam, enjoying herbal teas, and using a saline nasal spray can all help relieve allergy symptoms while lowering your risk for obstructive sleep apnea. 

Talk to your sleep specialist if you have thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic allergies, or nasal congestion. He or she may advise you to see your primary care physician to make sure that your health conditions are being well-managed, which will help keep your apnea under control. 

To learn more, contact a resource like Elkview General Hospital.