Symptoms related to obstructive sleep apnoea are common in subjects with asthma, chronic bronchitis and rhinitis in a general population

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported sn oring. apnoeas and daytime sleepiness in relation to chronic bronchitis. re current wheeze, physician-diagnosed asthma and rhinitis. This was a questionnaire study in a representative sample of a general popu lation. The study was a part of the Obstructive Lune Disease in Northern Sw eden Studies (OLIN). A total of 5424 subjects aged 2069 years, born on the 15th day of each month, participated in the study. Eligible answers were ob tained from 4648 subjects (85(.)7%). Having snoring as a problem was reported by 10(.)7%. Among subjects with ch ronic bronchitis it was reported by 25(.)9%, with recurrent wheeze by 21(.) 3%, with physician-diagnosed asthma by 17(.)9%, and with rhinitis by 14(.)7 %. Relatives' concerns of witnessed apnoea was reported by 6(.)8% of all su bjects, while among subjects with chronic bronchitis it was reported by 18( .)1%. with recurrent wheeze by 17(.)1%, with physician-diagnosed asthma by 14(.)3%, and with rhinitis by 9(.)1%. After correction for age, gender and smoking habits, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, asthma. and current smoking w ere significantly related, with snoring as a problem and with relatives con cern of witnessed apnoeas. Symptoms of daytime sleepiness were significantl y related with concern of witnessed apnoeas. chronic bronchitis, snoring as a problem. recurrent wheeze and age 50-59 years. In conclusion, respiratory symptoms and conditions affecting mainly the low er respiratory tract, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, were related w ith symptoms common in obstructive sleep apnoea.