Can Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and it comprises Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, has garnered attention for its potential correlation with various health conditions. 

Recent studies have explored the possible association between IBD and sleep apnea, raising questions about their interplay and potential causal relationship. 

Let’s discuss the implications for individuals diagnosed with IBD and the healthcare providers tasked with addressing their needs. 

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder where a person suffers repetitive episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. 

Typically, OSA occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and obstructs the airflow. As a result, individuals with the disorder experience the following symptoms: 

• Pauses in breathing 
• Loud gasps 
• Body jerks as the body attempts to restore normal breathing 
• Snoring 
• Fatigue during the day 
• Dry mouth 

Interruptions in breathing during obstructive sleep apnea also disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep. 

Moreover, the effort required to overcome the airway places additional strain on the diaphragm and chest muscles, which causes them to work harder than usual to reopen the airway. Consequently, oxygen levels in the bloodstream may decrease and impact the function of vital organs in the long term.  

Prolonged untreated OSA has been associated with various health risks, including hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and abnormal heart rhythms.  

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic disorders defined by the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. 

While historically considered autoimmune in nature, current findings indicate that IBD results from an immune system response to harmless viruses, bacteria, or dietary components in the gut, triggering inflammation and subsequent damage to the intestinal lining. 

The two primary forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon or large intestine, while Crohn’s disease can involve any segment of the digestive tract, often the end of the small intestine or the colon, or both. 

The exact cause of IBD remains unknown, but professionals attribute it to a combination of genetic, hereditary, and environmental influences. Research indicates there is a genetic tendency for developing IBD, with more than 200 segments of human DNA sequence being associated with an increased risk of the condition.  

Environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and microbial composition, may also contribute to disease development and progression. 

The chronic inflammation resulting from IBD disrupts normal bowel function, leading to symptoms such as: 

• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Rectal bleeding 

The inflammatory process may also extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract, impacting various organs and systems throughout the body. 

The Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Research conducted by investigators at Rush University has examined the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For the purposes of the study, 13% of all participants suffered from obstructive sleep apnea. 

In the comparative analysis of sleep quality among individuals with these conditions and control subjects, findings revealed significant differences in sleep patterns. 

The average Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), a measure of OSA severity, was notably higher in patients with IBD and IBS, ranging from 7 to 8 events per hour, compared to less than 1 event per hour in control participants. 

Particularly noteworthy was the observation that individuals with IBD and IBS exhibited an elevated arousal index, which indicated a greater frequency of awakenings during sleep compared to controls. These findings underscore a potential association between inflammatory bowel disorders and sleep disturbances, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of this relationship. 

Other Conditions Related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Colon Cancer 

A study from Spain revealed a correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and elevated rates of various cancers. 

According to the results, lower oxygen levels were found to be a more significant predictor of increased cancer risk than the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), particularly concerning colon cancer. Other common cancers observed in individuals with OSA included prostate, lung, and breast cancers. 

Acid Reflux 

Research suggests a bidirectional relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and acid reflux. Treating OSA has been shown to alleviate symptoms of reflux, and addressing reflux can lead to improvements in OSA severity scores. 

The connection between the two conditions might be due to the negative pressures in the chest when breathing stops during apneas, making reflux symptoms worse. Managing both conditions at the same time will likely optimize patient outcomes and quality of life. 

Have You Been Suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

For personalized care and expert guidance regarding obstructive sleep apnea or related concerns, contact our specialists at Sunrise Orthodontics or Airway and Sleep Group. Call us today to learn more!