[Skin prick test results in snoring and sleep apnea patients].

BACKGROUND

In allergic rhinitis, nasal obstruction is a typical symptom. Reduced nasal ventilation is thought to be one causal factor for sleep breathing disorders. Whether or not snoring individuals with or without sleep apnea show more frequent or stronger reactions in skin prick tests (SPT) compared to non-snorers has not been investigated yet.

METHODS

SPT on 20 most frequent allergens and standardized questionnaires of 412 patients of either sex who received a polysomnography at the sleeplab of the ENT department, University of Würzburg, Germany, were analysed retrospectively. In 351 patients (85 %), data were complete. According to their polysomnography, patients were grouped into snorers (n = 248, 71 %) and non-snorers (n = 103, 29 %) or apnea (apnea-hypopnea-index > 10; n = 171, 49 %) and non-apnea patients (n = 180, 51 %). Average occurrence or strength of skin reactions was compared between these groups.

RESULTS

Except plantain (7 % vs. 1 %) and beech (10 % vs. 3 %), there were no statistical increases in the average occurrence or strength of SPT results in snoring individuals. Apnea patients did not show more frequent or stronger allergic skin reactions than non-apnea patients. Three patients suffering from allergic rhinitis by house dust mites were treated with citerizin 10 mg and allergen exposition prophylaxis. Three months after onset of therapy in all three patients, a reduction of snoring was polysomnographically observed. Snorers or apnea patients complaining sneezing, reduced nasal ventilation at night, hyperlacrimation or rhinorrhea showed significant higher numbers of allergic skin reactions for rye, gras and house dust mites compared to patients without these symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reveal that only snorers or apnea patients with specific symptoms for allergic rhinitis should be tested by SPT. A general SPT-screening seems not to be indicated. Snoring and apneas in patients with allergic rhinitis due to house dust mites can be eliminated or reduced by an oral antihistaminic treatment.