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Sleep Apnea
(OSA)

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to several minutes. They can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, headaches, and even serious health problems.

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Learn More About Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis

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Causes of Sleep Apnea

  • Anatomical factors:

    • Excess tissue in the throat: This can narrow the airway and make it difficult to breathe.

    • Large tonsils or adenoids: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also obstruct the airway.

    • Jaw misalignment: An underbite or other jaw problems can contribute to sleep apnea.

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  • Lifestyle factors:

    • Obesity: Excess weight can increase the risk of sleep apnea.

    • Alcohol and sedative use: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more likely to collapse.

    • Smoking: Smoking can irritate the airways and increase the risk of inflammation.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Snoring loudly:

This is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has the condition.

  • Gasping or choking during sleep:

These sounds may indicate that the person's breathing has stopped or slowed down.

  • Restless sleep:

People with sleep apnea may toss and turn frequently or wake up suddenly.

  • Frequent awakenings:

Frequent interruptions in sleep can lead to daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

  • Daytime fatigue:

Sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, even if the person gets enough sleep at night.

  • Difficulty concentrating:

Sleep apnea can impair cognitive function and make it difficult to focus.

  • Morning headaches:

Headaches are a common symptom of sleep apnea, especially if the person wakes up frequently during the night.

  • High blood pressure:

Sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which can in turn increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

  • Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning:

These symptoms can occur due to mouth breathing during sleep.

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Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

  • Medical history:

    • A healthcare professional will ask about your sleep habits, snoring, and any other symptoms.

  • Physical examination:

    • A physical exam can help identify any anatomical abnormalities that might be contributing to sleep apnea.

  • Sleep study:

    • A sleep study, often called a polysomnography, is the most reliable way to diagnose sleep apnea. This involves monitoring your sleep patterns, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels while you sleep.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP):

This is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep.

  • Oral appliances:

Custom-made mouthguards can help reposition the jaw and keep the airway open.

  • Surgery:

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address underlying anatomical issues, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

  • Lifestyle modifications:

Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, and sleeping on your side can also help improve sleep apnea symptoms.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, many people with sleep apnea can improve their sleep quality and daytime functioning. However, it is essential to seek professional help if you suspect you may have sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

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