Effect of asthma on the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in atopic women.

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with significant morbidity and remains underdiagnosed in women. Identification of high-risk groups among women is important for early detection and treatment. OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of snoring in young women with atopy and to determine the risk factors for snoring in these individuals. METHODS The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study is an ongoing prospective birth cohort study of infants with at least 1 atopic parent. Mothers of study participants were evaluated by questionnaire for snoring, respiratory symptoms, and smoking status. Women who snored were compared with those who did not snore. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine risk factors for snoring. RESULTS Data were available on 677 women who had at least 1 live birth. Of these 677 women, 546 (81%) were white, 122 (18%) were African American, and 9 (1%) were biracial or Asian. The mean +/- SD age of the cohort at the time of evaluation for snoring was 29.6 +/- 5.6 years. Of the 677 women, 231 (34%) reported snoring at least 1 night per week, and snoring almost always (5-7 nights per week) was reported by 85 (13%). An almost 2-fold risk of snoring was associated with asthma (diagnosis and current symptoms) (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.8) and African American race (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.6) after controlling for income level and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of snoring inyoung women with atopy and a significant association with asthma.