Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Asthma: Clinical Implications

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are common conditions in children with preventable long-term consequences. There is significant overlap in symptomatology and pathophysiology for pediatric OSA and asthma. Recent evidence supports clear associations between the two diseases; however, causality has not been demonstrated. Regardless, it is important to recognize the overlap and evaluate for the other condition when one is present. For example, in patients with severe OSA, clinical evaluation for asthma should be considered, including history for typical asthma symptoms and spirometry. For patients with severe or poorly controlled asthma, OSA should be considered as a complicating condition. Clinical history for OSA as well as pediatric sleep questionnaires may be helpful tools in evaluation of the child with severe asthma. To decrease long-term consequences from asthma and OSA in children, clinicians should consider the relationship between these two diseases. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(9):e332-e335.]