Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is OSA?
OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is a condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep due to an airway collapse. This prevents air from getting to the lungs, causing a person's sleep to be disrupted. This constant sleep disruption leads to excessive daytime fatigue. Airway collapse can be caused by:
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway (such as adipose tissue or enlarged tonsils).
- Airway muscles losing muscle tone.
- Airway obstruction by the tongue.
Prevalence
As much as four percent of middle-aged men and two percent of middle-aged women suffer from OSA. OSA is as common as adult asthma, yet most people suffering from OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Symptoms of OSA Include:
- Snoring that is interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Morning headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Frequent night-time urination
- Poor memory & concentration, irritability
- Depression
- Obesity.
Risks
The risks of leaving your OSA untreated include: high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, motor vehicle and work accidents due to fatigue.
Suspect you have OSA?
If you have the symptoms of OSA, you should see your doctor. It is recommended you receive an evaluation by a doctor specialized in sleep medicine, who may recommend you have a sleep study. This can provide the information needed to diagnose and treat your sleep problems. You may also contact one of our centers for a consultation by our specialists.
Treatment
The most successful treatment for OSA doesn't involve surgery or medication. If you are diagnosed with OSA your doctor may recommend Continuous Postive Airway Pressure (CPAP)Therapy.