If sleep apnea makes asthma worse, does treatment with CPAP make asthma better?
If sleep apnea makes asthma worse, does treatment with CPAP make asthma better?Answer: Yes. 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 worsens asthma in a number of ways, such as increasing gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux), causing increased inflammation throughout the body (including the lungs), contributing to weight gain and obesity, and causing decreased airflow in the airways of the lungs. Continuous positive
