Asthma and sleep apnea

PAID CONTENT

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition caused by the collapse of the airway. It only happens during sleep, reducing oxygen to the body and leading to many bad health effects. Symptoms of OSA include choking or gasping at night, E.D., loud snoring, morning headaches and daytime tiredness. The main symptoms are loud snoring and daytime tiredness, but often one isn’t aware that he or she is snoring. Usually they have to depend on someone else to let them know that they are snoring—a bed partner, a grandkid, etc.

Even though not all of those who suffer with asthma have OSA, studies have shown that those who suffer with asthma have an increased risk of OSA. And OSA can make asthma and the symptoms associated with asthma worse. OSA increases acid reflux (GERD), contributes to weight gain which leads to obesity, causes reduced oxygen to all the body’s cells and causes increased inflammation in the entire body, including the lungs.

Acid reflux can cause or increase the asthma symptoms. OSA can cause or increase the acid reflux. Kind of a vicious cycle. OSA increases inflammatory chemicals in the blood which may increase the inflammation in the lungs that has been caused by the asthma. In turn, this inflammation contributes to weight gain and obesity which makes asthma worse!

Oral appliance therapy and CPAP are both treatments for OSA, and can reduce the symptoms of asthma. In oral appliance therapy, a small mouthpiece worn at night keeps the tongue forward off the airway, keeping the airway open. In CPAP therapy, a mask is worn on the face during the night to provide pressurized air to keep the airway open; the patient’s airway is blown up like a balloon and held open with the pressure.

Acid reflux is decreased with treatment for OSA, as well as those inflammatory chemicals. This can reduce inflammation in the lungs. With increased airflow, oxygen is increased. This can decrease the contraction of the smooth muscles around the airways and in turn reduce some of the symptoms of asthma.

But before any therapy can begin, a patient must get a diagnosis of OSA from a certified sleep physician. The process can be a bit confusing. Our office can help patients navigate the system. Make a free consultation appointment today.

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Dr. Donald Johnson founded Heartfelt Family Dental and Northwest Treatment Center for Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Coeur d’Alene to help people live free with no limits and STOP SNORING!! His office is at 114 W. Neider Ave., near Costco. The websites for more information are www.HeartfeltDental.com or www.NwSleepDoc.com and the office phone is 208-667-4551. Schedule an appointment for a free consultation today!