{"id":2399,"date":"2021-09-22T18:44:50","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T22:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entfortwayne.com\/?p=2399"},"modified":"2021-09-22T18:44:52","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T22:44:52","slug":"how-sleep-apnea-and-lung-problems-overlap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entfortwayne.com\/how-sleep-apnea-and-lung-problems-overlap\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sleep Apnea and Lung Problems Overlap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two common conditions that can make breathing difficult and negatively affect your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea <\/a>occurs when you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep. Even though the pauses in breathing are temporary, your body wakes itself every time it happens, making it difficult to get quality sleep. If you have sleep apnea you\u2019ve probably tried everything from melatonin to chamomile tea, to buying the highest quality mattress you can find at Mattress By Appointment<\/a> or another local store, but still struggle with daytime sleepiness and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COPD refers to a group of lung conditions usually involving chronic bronchitis and emphysema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When people suffer from both conditions at the same time, it is referred to as overlap syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Happens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There does not appear to be a direct causal relationship between sleep apnea and COPD. Sleep apnea is usually caused by enlarged tonsils or neuromuscular disorders, whereas COPD is linked to chronic exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, each condition involves inflammation of the airways, and smoking is linked to an increased risk for having both diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects and Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Overlap syndrome can negatively affect your quality of life and increase your risk of developing other health issues including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n