Over 4% of middle-aged adults have obstructive sleep apnea.
Central, obstructive, and mixed are the three types of sleep apnea. Approximately 84% of all people with sleep apnea have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA. OSA occurs when the airway is blocked or collapsed partially or completely. This disorder is more common in adults but children can be affected too.
A patients head or neck shape, excess weight, or anatomical differences all can be causes of sleep apnea. Surgery can often correct these differences. Sometimes surgery is not an option or not effective and a patient will need to use an oral mouthpiece or a CPAP machine.
There are some obstructive sleep apnea causes that can be controlled or changed.
Losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake before bed are all factors that a patient can control. These self-help alternatives should be considered before CPAP therapy, since the machines are difficult for many patients to get used to.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway collapses or is blocked. Airway collapse happens when the body relaxes so much during sleep that the muscle tone that keeps the airway open is lost. Blockages can be caused by the tongue, swollen tissues, or nasal deviations.
The person with obstructive sleep apnea typically doesn’t realize he/she has a problem. OSA sufferers commonly complain of sleepiness and fatigue during the day, headaches upon waking, and weight gain. Sometimes they may wake themselves with the loud snoring that also accompanies sleep apnea.
Family and friends are the best source of information about the patients symptoms.
They often witness gagging, choking, or gasping inspirations. The family also notices the personality changes, mood swings, and concentration problems associated with sleep deprivation, and may be kept awake by the loud snoring that often happens with obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP and oral appliances can improve obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Sleeping on the side instead of the back will also help with symptom reduction, and some patients have been helped when they switched to an adjustable bed or sleeping wedge. Surgical options are also available, but not all surgeries are effective for everyone.
A study of a patient’s airway and lifestyle needs to be completed before deciding on an sleep treatment plan. This will determine which option is best for that particular patient and facilitate a better surgical outcome.
The most commonly prescribed treatment is the CPAP. This machine has been reported by many to have changed their lives around. The CPAP holds the airway open with continuous air pressure. For OSA sufferers that mouth breathe, a full face mask may be needed, but for those who do not mouth breath, a small nasal mask will suffice.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be extremely serious because it can cause other medical problems. Heart disease, arrhythmia, and right sided heart failure have all been linked to obstructive sleep apnea. Patients are also at a risk for high blood pressure, stroke and above normal carbon dioxide levels. If a patient experiences any of these conditions, he/she should see their doctor immediately.
Support groups are available on line and in or around a patient’s hometown. Learning more about the disorder will help the OSA patient cope. Obstructive sleep apnea support groups give the patient knowledge and a place to ask questions among people who have lived with obstructive sleep apnea.
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