The causes of chronic cough are very varied and are related to different systems.

In this article we explain what sleep apnea is.

Why the Sleep apnea triggers cough?

La Sleep apnea Sleep deprivation is a disorder that occurs during sleep in which breathing is suddenly interrupted long enough to disrupt sleep. This interruption can cause a decrease in blood oxygen levels and an increase in CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels.

When we sleep, our body muscles relax, including those in our back. When they relax, our airways narrow, causing snoring, and may even close temporarily.

The mechanism linking sleep apnea to cough is not entirely clear. Some of these mechanisms could include:

• People with sleep apnea experience inflammation of the upper airway as a result of snoring and episodes of airway constriction. This inflammation increases the sensitivity of the cough reflex.
• Another cause may be that people with sleep apnea are more prone to gastroesophageal reflux, which, as we will analyze in another section, is one of the main causes of coughing.
• Tracheomalacia, a condition in which the cartilage supporting the trachea sags, causing it to close. The cough in this case resembles barking.

Sleep apnea is one of the possible causes of coughing. If it persists for more than 8 weeks, we are dealing with a case of chronic cough.

Author: Eva Maroto

References:

1. https://www.msdmanuals.com/es/hogar/trastornos-del-pulm%C3%B3n-y-las-v%C3%ADas-respiratorias/apnea-del-sue%C3%B1o/apnea-del-sue%C3%B1o?ruleredirectid=756
2. Chan, K; Eng,A; Birring, SS. Cough in obstructive sleep apnoea. Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Volume 35, 2015, Pages 129-131, ISSN 1094-5539, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pupt.2015.05.008