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 | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition which results from the collapsing of the tissues of the throat during sleeping, resulting in severe snoring and episodes of apnea (breathing stops momentarily). This results in low oxygen levels in the blood stream, and the lack of restful sleep. People with OSA are usually tired regardless of how much sleep they get; often have morning headaches and uncontrolled acid reflux. Chronic OSA, when left untreated, can cause a multitude of medical problems, including severe asthma, coughing, acid reflux, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and chronic lung conditions. Children can also be affected by sleep apnea, especially when the tonsils and adenoid tissues are enlarged from allergies. Find out more about sleep apnea, including symptoms that suggest the diagnosis, how the condition is tested for, and the treatments that are available. | |
How Sleep Apnea Affects Asthma
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, or simply sleep apnea, is a disease process caused by repeated episodes of closing of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in the reduction of airflow and oxygen to the lungs. This can lead to low oxygen levels in the blood stream, gasping episodes and frequent nighttime awakenings. Studies suggest that people with asthma may be at increased risk for sleep apnea, and that sleep apnea can worsen asthma.
| Sleep Apnea in Children
Sleep apnea in children often goes undiagnosed, especially since 20% of normal children will occasionally snore, and only 3% of young children actually have OSA. Preschool age children are the most likely age group to develop OSA, as this is the age at which adenoid and tonsillar hypertrophy is most commonly seen - an important risk factor for OSA. Sleep apnea is more common in boys, overweight children and African American children.
| CPAP for Sleep Apnea
CPAP seems to reverse many of the harmful effects of sleep apnea. Acid reflux is improved with the use of CPAP through the increase in the ability of sphincter muscles in the esophagus to keep acid in the stomach. Inflammatory chemicals caused by sleep apnea decrease, causing less inflammation within the body and the lungs. Airflow within the airways is increased with the use of CPAP, leading to better oxygenation of the lungs and decreased contraction of the smooth muscles around the airways. All of these effects lead to improvement in asthma control in people with asthma and sleep apnea.
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