Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Difficult Asthma

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the impact of diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on asthma control in adults with difficult-to-control asthma. This open-label, randomized controlled trial focuses on patients who have persistent asthma symptoms despite high-dose inhaler use and explores how OSA may contribute to their condition. The study aims to clarify the role of OSA in asthma management and examine whether treating OSA can improve asthma control, symptom burden, quality of life, and reduce exacerbations and healthcare use. Participants will undergo home-based sleep studies to detect OSA and then be assigned to one of three groups: asthma patients without OSA, asthma patients with OSA who do not receive treatment, and asthma patients with OSA who receive treatment using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy at night. The treatment group will use the CPAP device to manage sleep apnoea while monitoring their asthma symptoms and lung function over the study period. Throughout the 3-4 month study, participants will track airflow variability using home electronic peak flow monitoring and report on asthma control and symptoms. Researchers will collect data on asthma exacerbations, lung function, airway inflammation, sleep quality, and healthcare utilization. The study includes regular assessments to evaluate the effects of CPAP treatment on asthma outcomes compared to untreated OSA and patients without OSA.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Difficult Asthma (OSADA)