The Frequency of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Asthmatic Patients, and Its Impact on Asthma Control

Abstract

hildhood asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in children characterized by interaction between many cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems that interact with epithelial cells to cause bronchial hyper-reactivity. Within the past few years, it has emerged as the most common incommunicable respiratory disease affecting children worldwide. Childhood asthma prevalence worldwide is rising dramatically making it regarded as a major healthcare problem in children. In Egypt, the bronchial asthma is a significant health problem among school children, and the prevalence was 7.7%. Is Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in childhood encompasses OSA, central sleep apnea, and hypoventilation disorders. OSA is the most common SDB in childhood. OSA is characterized by episodes of complete or partial upper airway obstruction during sleep, often resulting in gas exchange abnormalities and arousals, which disrupt sleep. OSA occurs in 1 to 5 percent of children. It can occur at any age and may be most common in those between two and six years of age.