Sleep apnea, asthma, and their codependency issues

Having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can worsen asthma symptoms, and having asthma can increase the risk of developing OSA. People with asthma are more likely to develop OSA. This might be because of issues like increased muscle effort to breathe during sleep, lower oxygen levels, and ongoing inflammation that affects the airways. Additionally, some medications used to treat asthma, such as corticosteroids, could also contribute to the risk of developing OSA. Importantly, if someone has both conditions, identifying and treating their OSA can lead to better control of their asthma and an improved quality of life.

If an asthma patient isn't responding well to treatment or has symptoms like snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or pauses in breathing at night, it might be worth checking for OSA, as treating it could make a big difference to their breathing and overall health.