Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): symptoms, medication, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a sleep disorder that makes you temporarily stop breathing while you sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a serious sleep disorder.

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA can occur up to 30 times an hour, when you sleep at night. You may not even remember or realize that this happened.

As a result, quality sleep is not enough to make you energetic and productive the next day.

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is one of two types of sleep apnea, which is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breath is interrupted during sleep. The cause of OSA is airway obstruction, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses during sleep.

How common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

This health condition is very common. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a condition that is more common in men than women. Obstructive sleep apnea OSA is a condition that can affect patients at any age.

This can be controlled by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

When breathing stops, the oxygen level in the body decreases and carbon dioxide increases. This usually triggers the brain to wake up to breathe.

Most of the time, obstructive sleep apnea or OSA happens quickly and you will go back to sleep, without knowing that you just woke up. This pattern can occur repeatedly, so that you do not achieve good quality sleep.

Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA are:

• snoring loudly for a long time most days
• choking, snorting or gasping during sleep
• stopped breathing suddenly
• tired, sleepy all day
• dry mouth and sore throat the next morning
• hypertension

In children, the results of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA are:

• Having trouble getting up in the morning
• Tired or falling asleep during the day
• Trouble paying attention or being hyperactive.

If you have this, obstructive sleep apnea or OSA can interfere with school activities in children. Others may think that your child has learning problems or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

There may be signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA listed above, or have any questions, consult your doctor.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA that require immediate help are:

• The snoring is so loud that it disturbs you or someone else's sleep
• Woke up choking
• The breath stops for a moment while sleeping
• Excessive sleepiness during the day, which causes falling asleep while working, watching television, or even driving a car.

Many people probably wouldn't think that snoring was a sign of a serious condition, and not everyone who snores is obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, which are loud snoring, especially snoring interspersed with periods of silence. In obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, snoring is usually heard loudest when you are supine and silent when you turn your back.

Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a condition that occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax too much, preventing normal breathing. These muscles support the structure of the mouth, including the back of the roof of the mouth, the triangular pieces of tissue that hang from the roof of the mouth (uvula), tonsils, and tongue.

In obstructive sleep apnea or OSA conditions, when there is partial or complete blocking of air, the oxygen level in the blood may decrease due to cessation of breathing (10-20 seconds). It can also cause a build-up of carbon dioxide.

Lack of oxygen causes your brain to panic and wake your body up to breathe again. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a thing that usually happens so briefly that you may not remember it.

You can wake up with a short breath that corrects breathing. You can make grunting, choking, or gasping sounds.

This pattern can be repeated five to 30 times each hour, throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea OSA is a condition that can impair your ability to achieve the desired deep sleep phase. You may find it easier to feel sleepy during the day.

People with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA may not be aware that the sleep they are experiencing is an interrupted condition. Instead, they think they slept well all night.

What increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Quoted by the Mayo Clinic, the factors that put you at risk for obstructive sleep apnea are OSA, namely:

Overweight

Most people with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA are overweight. Excess fat in the upper airway can obstruct breathing.

Health conditions associated with obesity, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, also cause obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

However, not everyone who is overweight has obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, and vice versa. People who are thin can also develop obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

Narrow airway

You may naturally lower the narrow airway. Your tonsils or adenoids can become enlarged, blocking your airway and causing you to develop obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a relatively common condition in people with high blood pressure (hypertension).

Chronic nasal congestion

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA occurs twice as often in those who have nasal congestion at night, regardless of the cause. This condition may be caused by narrowed airways.

Smoke

People who smoke are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

Diabetes

Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a condition that may be more common in people with diabetes.

Gender

In general, men are twice as likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea or OSA than women. The frequency of the condition increases in women after menopause.

Family history

If you have a family with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, you are likely to have it too.

Asthma

Research has found a link between asthma and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

Diagnosis

How is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosed?

The way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is through a series of examinations and tests. The way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is also to ask about family history and how the patient lives his daily life.

Next is a physical exam to check for abnormalities in the back of the throat. The doctor may also measure the circumference of your neck and waist, and check your blood pressure. The tests that may be done to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or OSA are:

Polysomnography

Overnight lab tests are tests that are done to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. In this sleep study, you are connected to equipment that monitors your heart, lungs and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

Home obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) test

In certain circumstances, your doctor may give you a home version of a polysomnography to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.

This examination usually involves measuring airflow, breathing pattern, and blood oxygen levels, as well as snoring.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

What are the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea?

The main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is lifestyle changes to be healthier, but can be helped by the following treatment methods:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment

This is the front line of treatment. CPAP is recommended for moderate to severe symptoms as the most effective treatment.

Variable positive airway pressure (VPAP)

This medication is used more often in patients with serious respiratory conditions.

EPAP nasal

This is a treatment commonly used in cases of obstructive sleep apnea or mild OSA.

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you treat obstructive sleep apnea:

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Get regular exercise.
• Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, and don't drink a few hours before bed.
• Stop smoking.
• Use nasal decongestants and allergy medications.
• Don't sleep on your back. We recommend that you sleep on your side (facing right or left)

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.