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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep

Mechanism

Pharyngeal airways collapse due to the negative pressure generated during the inspiration overcoming the pharyngeal dilator muscles.

Prevalence

Prevalence rates have increased substantially over the last two decades, most likely due to the obesity epidemic. 2% – 9% of adults are affected by OSA (~22 million Americans)

Major Risk Factors

obesity

Obesity

family

Family History

Craniofacial Abnormalities

Craniofacial Abnormalities

Genetics

Genetics

Male Gender

Male Gender

Neck Circumference

Neck Circumference of 16 inches in males and 17 inches in female

Symptoms

snoring

Snoring

breathing

Gasping & Breathing pauses

download

Daytime Sleepiness

tiredness

Fatigue

mood

Mood disturbances

Irritability

Irritability

Co-morbidities

2855513

Hypertension

2321265

Diabetes Mellitus

4418430

Stroke

3411269

Arrhythmias

3526125

Depression

Obstructive sleep apnea

Coronary Heart Disease

Diagnosis

  • Overnight polysomnogram or sleep study (Gold standard)
Provides information about breathing, blood oxygen levels, body positions, cardiac rhythm, and sleep patterns
  • Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI)
Total number of apnea (complete cessation of airflow) or hypopnea (significant reduction in airflow) per hour of sleep.
AHI in Adults: Less than 5 Normal; 5–15 Mild OSA; 15–30 Moderate OSA; >30 Severe OSA

Treatment

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment Oral appliances
  • Weight Loss
  • Pharyngeal surgery Decongestants, intranasal steroids, antihistamines, and antileukotrienes and control of other lung disease
NOTE: Dr. T. Shaikh creates all blog posts on MRZ Medical unless otherwise indicated.
Disclaimer: The information provided in blog posts is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. The author is not responsible for any specific health needs requiring medical supervision and is not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, or application to any person reading or following the information in these posts.

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