Which health factor is NOT a risk for obstructive sleep apnea?

Chronic allergies are not considered a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is primarily associated with factors that influence physical structure and function of the airways, and chronic allergies do not directly affect these aspects. The primary risk factors for OSA include obesity, as excess fat around the neck can lead to airway obstruction during sleep, hypertension, which is commonly found in individuals suffering from OSA due to the strain on cardiovascular health, and Type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with obesity and may present additional metabolic complications that can exacerbate OSA symptoms.

In contrast, while chronic allergies can cause nasal congestion and may affect sleep quality, they do not significantly increase the likelihood of airway obstruction characteristic of OSA. Thus, chronic allergies are not typically linked to the pathology of sleep apnea in the same manner as the other listed conditions.