Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of Asthma
Asthma, Sleep Apnea
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Asthma focused on measuring Asthma, Nocturnal Asthma, Lung volumes, Deep inspiration, Obstructive sleep apnea
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- mild to moderate asthma, diagnosed by a physician, OR
- mild to moderate asthma and CPAP treated OSA. Must be compliant with CPAP therapy (greater than 4 hours per night, at least 4 nights/week)
Exclusion Criteria:
- lung disease other than asthma or OSA
- medications known to affect respiratory function (apart from asthma and rhinitis therapy)
- abnormal nasal anatomy
- current smokers and ex-smokers (quit within the last 3 months, or >10 pack-years)
- pregnant women - women of child bearing age will undergo a urine pregnancy test before enrollment and during the course of the study, as some of the study procedures cannot be performed during pregnancy and because pregnancy often changes asthma symptoms and severity.
- severe asthma - defined as a recent exacerbation (doctor or ER visit for asthma, or oral steroid use, within the previous 4 weeks) or frequent exacerbations (>4 exacerbations in the last year.
- severe obstructive sleep apnea requiring supplemental oxygen in addition to CPAP therapy.
- the regular use of prescription (e.g. zolpidem) or over-the-counter sleep aids (e.g. Benadryl).
- Central sleep apnea
Sites / Locations
- Brigham and Women's Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Usual Care first, then Bilevel PAP
Bilevel PAP first, then Usual Care
Subjects will begin the study by continuing their usual care for 4 weeks. They will complete questionnaires and breathing tests at the start and end of this 4 week period. After a "Washout Period" of an additional 4 weeks of usual care, they will then start Bilevel PAP therapy for 4 weeks. Just before and after the Bilevel PAP they will complete questionnaires and breathing tests.
Subjects will begin the study by starting on Bilevel PAP for 4 weeks. Just before and after the Bilevel PAP they will complete questionnaires and breathing tests. After a 4 week "Washout Period" of usual care, they will start a Usual Care period for 4 weeks. They will complete questionnaires and breathing tests at the start and end of this 4 week period.