Relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and asthma and the possible mechanism

Recent research suggests, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and bronchial asthma (asthma) may influence each other. OSAS is an independent risk factor for asthma. The possible mechanism of OSAS which promotes asthma exacerbations includes the following aspects:gastroesophageal reflux, airway inflammation, neural reflex mechanisms, the indirect effects of cardiovascular harm caused by OSAS, airway vascular proliferation induced by VEGF, airway hyperresponsieness, obesity. The following reasons may be why asthma easily merger OSAS: nasal congestion, the cross-sectional area reductions of the upper respiratory tract, and the increased airway collapse. It is suggested that there is a correlation between the two diseases. Therefore, a clear mechanism of the interaction between OSAS and asthma can provide a valuable therapeutic strategy for the two disease. Key words: Asthma;  Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome;  Gastroesophaeal reflux;  Vascular endothelial growth factor; Airway hyperresponsieness