Asthma patients (n=20) out of them 10 with mild, controlled and 10 with severe, uncontrolled asthma

* Assessments of the SNA-axis. For this, HRV and dBPV will be analyzed using a 3-lead ECG and a continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure signal. HRV and dBPV will be computed and presented as the high frequency , low frequency , their relative ratio (LF/HF), and the very low frequency component for both.~* MSNA will be recorded via a tungsten microelectrode placed in the peroneal nerve.~* NHFT at a flow rate of 20/30/40 liters/minute for 30 minutes respectively, with breaks of 15 minutes for all physiological variables to return to baseline.~* OSA severity: defined as apnoea-hypopnoea index \[AHI\] \>15/h and obstructive apnoea index \[OAI\] \>5/h~* Determination of PH and right HF severity (TAPSE ≤14 mm) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAsys) using TTE.~* Comprehensive lung function and inspiratory muscle strength and function testing as described previously by our group.~* Assessment of systemic inflammation in blood samples.

Controls (n=10) (and in a group of healthy controls [2:1] matched for age, sex and BMI).

* Assessments of the SNA-axis. For this, HRV and dBPV will be analyzed using a 3-lead ECG and a continuous non-invasive arterial blood pressure signal. HRV and dBPV will be computed and presented as the high frequency , low frequency , their relative ratio (LF/HF), and the very low frequency component for both.~* MSNA will be recorded via a tungsten microelectrode placed in the peroneal nerve.~* NHFT at a flow rate of 20/30/40 liters/minute for 30 minutes respectively, with breaks of 15 minutes for all physiological variables to return to baseline.~* OSA severity: defined as apnoea-hypopnoea index \[AHI\] \>15/h and obstructive apnoea index \[OAI\] \>5/h~* Determination of PH and right HF severity (TAPSE ≤14 mm) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAsys) using TTE.~* Comprehensive lung function and inspiratory muscle strength and function testing as described previously by our group.~* Assessment of systemic inflammation in blood samples.