Air pollution has emerged as a potential risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing. A study published in the International Neurotoxicology Association has examined the relationship between air pollution and OSA severity and found plausible pathways linking the two.
The study suggests that prolonged exposure to elevated levels of air pollutants can induce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to upper airway dysfunction during sleep. These physiological changes are known to exacerbate respiratory disorders, potentially increasing the propensity for airway collapse during sleep.
The study emphasizes the potential influence of specific air pollutants, exposure duration, and individual susceptibility factors on the effects of air pollution on OSA. The researchers analyzed data from 12 studies and identified nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as a pollutant of particular concern for worsening OSA risk and severity.
The findings hold implications for clinical practice, prompting healthcare providers to consider environmental factors in OSA risk assessment and management. Clinicians may need to closely monitor patients for OSA symptoms and account for environmental factors in assessing the severity of the condition, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution.
