Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Asthma: More Than Chance?

Abstract Purpose of Review To discuss the current evidence regarding the association and mechanistic interaction between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Recent Findings The co-existence of OSA is highly prevalent in asthmatics and significantly associated with increased severity, decreased control, more frequent exacerbations, and hospitalizations despite medical management. Pre-existing asthma may also be a risk factor for new onset OSA. Rhinitis, obesity, and gastro-esophageal reflux are risk factors in both conditions. The obese asthmatic with OSA may present a unique phenotype. Positive airway pressure in severe asthma improves outcomes. Summary Pathophysiologic mechanisms and co-morbidities overlap between OSA and asthma, but the exact link has yet to be confirmed. Screening for OSA is recommended in those with severe asthma. Further investigations are needed to delineate the cellular processes with therapeutic targets. Similarly, prospective investigations are needed to evaluate the longitudinal relationship in pre-existing asthma and the development of OSA.

Download Full-text

The Associations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Eye Disorders: Potential Insights into Pathogenesis and Treatment

Current Sleep Medicine Reports ◽

10.1007/s40675-021-00215-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jeeyun Ahn ◽

Michael B. Gorin

Keyword(s):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

The Body ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Ocular Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

The Common ◽

Osa Treatment ◽

Pathophysiologic Mechanisms

Abstract Purpose of Review Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients are at significantly increased risks for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidities. Recently, there has been heightened interest in the association of OSA with numerous ocular diseases and possible improvement of these conditions with the initiation of OSA treatment. We reviewed the current evidence with an emphasis on the overlapping pathogeneses of both diseases. Recent Findings Currently available literature points to a substantial association of OSA with ocular diseases, ranging from those involving the eyelid to optic neuropathies and retinal vascular diseases. Since the retina is one of the highest oxygen-consuming tissues in the body, the intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia ensuing in OSA can have deleterious effects on ocular function and health. Tissue hypoxia, autonomic dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction, and inflammation all play important roles in the pathogenesis of both OSA and ocular diseases. Whether OSA treatment is capable of reversing the course of associated ocular diseases remains to be determined. It is anticipated that future therapeutic approaches will target the common underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and promote favorable effects on the treatment of known associated ocular diseases. Summary Emerging evidence supports the association of ocular diseases with untreated OSA. Future studies focusing on whether therapeutic approaches targeting the common pathophysiologic mechanisms will be beneficial for the course of both diseases are warranted.

Download Full-text