Is Asthma a Risk Factor for Sleep Apnea?

Asthma and sleep apnea are two respiratory conditions that can have a serious impact on your health. While asthma is well known, sleep apnea is not as widely understood and research into the condition is ongoing. Many people do not realize that asthma can be a risk factor for sleep apnea but studies have shown asthma sufferers are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between asthma and sleep apnea, and discuss how you can get help if you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs and airways. The symptoms of asthma can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma sufferers may also have difficulty sleeping due to their symptoms.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds or up to a minute and can happen multiple times throughout the night. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and feel very tired during the day.

How are these two conditions linked?

Both asthma and sleep apnea affect breathing, however, each has different causes, symptoms and treatments. Studies have shown that asthma sufferers are more likely to develop sleep apnea than people without asthma. One study found that people with asthma were three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than those without asthma. Another study found that nearly half of all people with asthma also had sleep apnea. The exact reason why asthma is a risk factor for sleep apnea is not precisely known but it is thought that the inflammation caused by asthma may contribute to the development of sleep apnea.

A further link between the two conditions lies in the similar risk factors. Both sleep apnea and asthma have rhinitis, reflux and obesity as potential risk factors. It’s said that sleep apnea can cause asthma flare-ups and complications and conversely asthma can potentially make sleep apnea worse.

If you have asthma and are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it is really important to see a doctor. Because sleep apnea can have serious consequences if left untreated it’s important to get help if you think you may this condition, especially if you are asthmatic. A doctor will be able to diagnose sleep apnea and provide treatment options. If you have asthma and are concerned about the risk of developing sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about your personal circumstance, personal risk factors and what you can do to prevent it.

While further research needs to be done to understand the link between asthma and sleep apnea, it’s clear that there is a connection between the two conditions. If you have a history of asthma, it’s important to take the risks of sleep apnea seriously and book a chat with your doctor or one of our sleep scientists who’d be happy to answer any of your questions on this or any other sleep concern. Just call on 1800 717 566 to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient clinic locations.