Effective treatment is available if you suffer from the symptoms mentioned above. While oral (dental) devices and surgical treatments are sometimes useful, CPAP is the most consistently effective treatment for OSA. CPAP has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. CPAP may lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and leptin levels, as well as the levels of various circulating stress hormones. CPAP may act as an "anti-inflammatory," decreasing signs of inflammation in the body. Several studies have shown an improvement in asthma and OSA after starting CPAP, although most will continue to require asthma medications.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which the throat (upper airway) narrows or closes repeatedly during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first line therapy for OSA. Asthma is a common disorder associated with chronic inflammation and restriction of airflow in the bronchioles (lower airways) inside the lungs. Studies have shown a higher rate of OSA in asthmatics, and more severe Asthma symptoms in patients with Asthma and OSA.
OSA Worsens Asthma. Several factors contribute to this relationship:
1) Local airway inflammation: The snoring and pressure changes with apneas (complete stoppage of breathing) and hypopneas (nearly complete stoppage) cause physical trauma to the airways, triggering local inflammation in the lining of the airways. White blood cells and chemical changes of inflammation have been found in the airway walls of sleep apnea patients, both in the upper airway (nose and throat) and lower airways (small air passages in the lungs).
2) Systemic Inflammation: Evidence for chronic, low-grade inflammation has been found in the rest of the body in people with OSA, not just in the airways. Inflammation makes asthma worse. CPAP has been shown to reduce this whole body and local inflammation in people with OSA.
3) Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): Heartburn may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). OSA tends to cause GER when a person tries to inhale against blockage in the throat during sleep. The suction pulls stomach acid into the throat and airways, causing inflammation, spasm and a worsening of asthma symptoms. Effective treatment of OSA can reduce acid reflux.
4) Weight gain: Sleep disturbance, such as that caused by OSA, elevates insulin levels that tend to stimulate appetite and contribute to weight gain. Obesity also worsens inflammation and asthma.
5) High leptin levels: Leptin is a hormone found in high levels in people with OSA, Asthma and obesity. Although leptin normally lowers appetite, obese people become "resistant" to it, much like diabetic and pre-diabetic people become resistant to insulin. Leptin causes overactivation of the immune system, resulting in inflammation. Some researchers think that OSA might lead to leptin resistance.
Asthma increases the risk of OSA. People with Asthma appear to have a higher rate of OSA. The reasons for this are not well understood. Asthmatics tend to have worse airflow through the nasal passages and sinuses, because of inflammation, thickening of mucus, and congestion. This may worsen OSA.
According to a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2009, Sleep Apnea, or OSA, and Asthma can make one another worse. Find out if you are at risk and how Sleep Medicine Associates can provide a solution that will help you breathe easier and sleep better. 
If you suffer with Asthma, additional symptoms could indicate that you are at risk for Sleep Apnea, or OSA.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a simple rating system to determine your daytime sleepiness. If you have an Epworth sleepiness score of 11 or above, your doctor will want to explore reasons for this. 