Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Cause COPD, or Vice Versa?
Although OSA and COPD are very similar and they often coexist. They are still separate conditions and have no direct causal relationship.
OSA is caused by factors like enlarged tonsils and neuromuscular disorders. [1]
COPD is usually caused by chronic exposure to irritants. This includes substances like cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes.
You have OSA does not mean you’ll develop COPD. Likewise, having COPD doesn’t mean you’ll develop obstructive sleep apnea.
However, since both conditions involve airway inflammation, they often appear together. This is more likely to happen if you smoke cigarettes, which is a risk factor for both diseases.