Study suggests air pollution could worsen sleep apnea risk and severity

Air pollution might increase the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), said a new study published in the journal of the International Neurotoxicology Association.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep condition that impairs a person's breathingduring thesleep.

Itoccurs when a person's throat muscles relax and obstruct their airway, causing themto frequently cease breathing while they sleep.

People with OSA have disturbed sleep and pauses in breathing while sleeping, all of which create low blood oxygen levels.

Thesepersons are sleepy during the day and have an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

"These pathophysiological changes are known to contribute to the development and exacerbation of respiratory disorders. Inthe context of OSA, air pollution may aggravate upper airway inflammation and dysfunction, thereby increasing the propensity for airway collapse during sleep," the study said.

According to the research, chronic exposure to high levels of air pollution can promote systemic inflammation or inflammation throughout the body, as well asoxidative stress, potentially leading to or aggravating upper airway dysfunction when sleeping.

Theydiscovered that air pollutants, particularly NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), may have a role in increasing OSA risk and severity, but "the evidence isn't definitive."

"The findings suggest air pollutants, especially NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), might play a role in worsening OSA risk and severity, but the evidence isn't definitive.Thishighlights the variability of different pollutants' effects and the necessity for more research," the study read.

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 12 studies to gather and evaluate data on the association between air pollution and the risk and severity of OSA.

"It is important to note that effects of air pollutants may vary based on the type of pollutant, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility factors, including age, gender, and underlying health conditions," the study noted.

According to the study's findings, figuring out the connection betweencertainpollutants and the likelihood and severity of OSA is critical for "shaping public health policies and clinical approaches to address OSA amidst high air pollution."

(With inputs from agencies)