Asthma and asthma-related comorbidity: effects on nocturnal oxygen saturation

Nocturnal symptoms are very common in asthma, which is associated with worse sleep quality. The nocturnal oxygen saturation may be decreased in asthma; however, whether this association is dependent on nocturnal asthma symptoms, lung function, coexisting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or other asthma-related comorbidities is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of asthma, OSA, lung function, airway symptoms, and asthma-related comorbidities on the nocturnal oxygen saturation in a cross-sectional community-based population study.In total, 395 women and 392 men underwent overnight polysomnography, performed spirometry, and completed questionnaires on airway symptoms and asthma-related comorbidities.Participants with asthma (n = 88) had a lower nocturnal oxygen saturation than those without asthma (93.8% vs 94.3%,Participants with asthma displayed a lower mean oxygen saturation during sleep, which could not be explained only by coexisting OSA or obesity. Also, asthma symptoms and lung function were associated with lower nocturnal oxygen saturation. The lower oxygen saturation seen in asthma is hence multifactorial in origin and is a result of the combination of symptoms, lung function, and comorbidity.Sundbom F, Janson C, Ljunggren M, Lindberg E. Asthma and asthma-related comorbidity: effects on nocturnal oxygen saturation.