How Sleep Apnea Worsens Asthma

People without asthma or other pulmonary diseases may take breathing for granted. If you do have asthma, though, you know how precious every inhale and exhale is, and you are diligent about doing all you can to manage your condition. That is why you should always be on the lookout for signs of sleep disorders — in particular, sleep apnea in Boca Raton. Let’s discuss how sleep apnea may worsen asthma and what steps you may be able to take to breathe easier.

Asthma and Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition wherein the upper airway collapses during sleep, leading to repeated pauses in breathing. These pauses, called apneas, can occur dozens or hundreds of times throughout a night. OSA is problematic for anyone who suffers from it, but it poses special dangers to individuals with asthma. OSA can irritate the smooth muscles in the airway and cause them to contract. A narrow airway, in turn, worsens asthma symptoms.

Another way in which asthma and sleep apnea in Boca Raton are connected has to do with acid reflux. OSA can adversely affect the ability of the sphincter muscles to keep acid in the stomach. As the acid invades the esophagus, it irritates muscles in the throat and may lead to airway contraction. The stomach acid might even get into the lungs and cause even more breathing problems.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Research suggests that individuals with asthma are more likely to develop OSA. Here are some signs and symptoms that you should be on the lookout for:

• Loud snoring
• Daytime exhaustion
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Frequently waking up gasping for air
• Observed pauses in breathing

If you suspect that OSA may be worsening your asthma, get in touch with a medical professional who can help you arrange to undergo a sleep test. The test will reveal whether you have OSA and how severe the problem is.

Finding Relief

Some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or cutting back on alcohol before bedtime, might lessen the severity of OSA. However, you should also pursue professional treatment. CPAP therapy is the most common way to address sleep apnea, but many people find that the machine is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Oral appliance therapy is a popular alternative. It involves the use of a mouthguard-like device that slightly repositions the jaw at night, thereby helping to keep the airway open.

OSA is dangerous for asthma patients! By working to manage both conditions, you may be able to improve your breathing and enjoy a healthier, fuller life.

Meet the Sleep Apnea Expert

Dr. Kenneth Mogell is a dentist with decades of experience. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, he spends much of his time helping patients find relief from OSA via oral appliance therapy. If you suspect that you have OSA or would like to learn more about it, he and our team would be happy to serve you. Call our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252, or get in touch with any of our other convenient locations.