Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea: More than an association

The relative risk adjusted for risk factors such as body mass index, age, and gender was 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 15%-19%). [9] Corticosteroids may be a potential contributory factor through effect on upper airway caliber (increased adiposity) or dilator muscle function (steroid myopathy) as identified in a study on dose-dependent relationship with inhaled corticosteroids and risk of OSA. [12] Interestingly, patients who are diagnosed with OSA and treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) seem to have better asthma control in terms of improved asthma symptoms as well as better morning peak expiratory flow rates and quality of life.