Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Reduces Night-Time Heartburn and Wheezing

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Reduces Night-Time Heartburn and Wheezing

Treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can have additional benefits beyond improving sleep quality. A recent study published in the journal ERJ Open Research highlights the positive impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on reducing symptoms such as nocturnal heartburn, coughing, and wheezing.

People with OSA often experience loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, and interruptions in their breathing. These symptoms not only lead to daytime weariness but also increase the risk of various health conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

CPAP machines, which work by providing a constant flow of air through a face mask, are commonly used to help individuals with OSA achieve better sleep. However, this new research suggests that CPAP treatment goes beyond addressing sleep apnoea and offers additional advantages.

Led by Professor Thorarinn Gislason from the Department of Sleep at Landspitali- The National University Hospital of Iceland, the study analyzed data from the Icelandic Sleep Apnea Cohort study and included 822 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA. Before starting CPAP treatment, participants underwent an overnight sleep study and completed detailed sleep questionnaires, including queries about heartburn or belching at night. Two years after initiating CPAP treatment, the patients underwent a follow-up visit for further evaluation. Researchers were also able to measure the regularity of CPAP machine usage through data collected by the machines.

The findings revealed that regular CPAP users were approximately 42% less likely to experience night-time heartburn compared to those who used the machines infrequently or not at all. This decrease in nighttime reflux among CPAP users was also associated with a reduction in the risk of morning cough by more than four-fold and a decreased risk of chronic bronchitis by almost four-fold.

Additionally, regular CPAP use was linked to a decreased likelihood of wheezing. However, the data suggests that this improvement was a direct result of the treatment itself rather than being caused solely by the reduction in nighttime reflux.

Researchers speculate that the continuous air pressure provided by CPAP treatment helps keep the upper airway open, preventing acid from leaking out of the stomach. This may contribute to the relief of heartburn symptoms. Professor Gislason emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals with OSA, as it is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed. He shares his own experience as a lung specialist, stating that many patients with recurring respiratory symptoms have seen significant improvement with CPAP treatment.

OSA is typically characterized by symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and restless sleep. However, this study suggests that persistent coughing and wheezing, as well as night-time reflux, should also be considered possible signs of OSA that may require CPAP treatment. Professor Winfried Randerath, Head of the European Respiratory Society’s Assembly on sleep-disordered breathing, who was not involved in the research, highlights the importance of diagnosing and treating OSA, as it has widespread and serious effects. He adds that people who suspect they may have OSA should consult their doctor, and those who have already received a diagnosis and been recommended CPAP treatment should aim to use the machine regularly, as the health benefits of CPAP continue to emerge.

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential benefits of CPAP treatment for individuals with OSA. Not only does it help improve sleep quality, but it can also alleviate symptoms such as night-time heartburn, coughing, and wheezing. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and diagnosis of OSA, and the importance of regular CPAP use for better health outcomes.