Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea that occurs when the breathing is interrupted. It is a condition where the flow of air stops and pauses during breathing which causes blocked airway.

What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the muscles in the body become more relaxed, this includes the muscle that makes the airway opens and allows the air to flow into the lungs. However, some have a narrow throat or large tonsils that can block the airway and make the breathing stops for some time, normally, the breathing stops more than 10 seconds. The air will try to pass through the narrowed airway which causes snoring. The patient is seldom aware of heavy breathing since it happens during sleep. Other factors that increase the risk of having obstructive sleep apnea include obesity, retrognathia- a condition where a lower jaw is shorter compared to the upper jaw, abnormal shapes of airway, large tonsils and tongue, low muscle tone and soft tissue due to excess weight. Sleeping on the back, smoking and ageing also develop obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms and Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Common signs and symptoms of OSA include snoring, heavy breathing, restless sleep, exhaustion and unexplained sleepiness during daytime. Secondary symptoms may include headaches, mood changes such as forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety and depression. Obstructive sleep apnea also indicates increased heart rate and high blood pressure, decreased in sex drive, sleep deprivation, heartburn, heavy night sweats and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Variety of treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is needed to prevent further complication. Treatments can start with change of lifestyle such as exercise and physical activity. Weight loss delivers lighter snoring and diminishes episodes of apnea during sleep, thus patients are encouraged to lose weight. Some experiences OSA due to upper respiratory track infection and other illness that cause swelling of the throat, nasal congestion and tonsillitis. Intake of steroids like prednisone is advised to cut lymphoid tissue and enlarged tonsils while nasal decongestants deliver lighter snoring and promote mild sleep. Abstinence from alcohol and abstinence from smoking prevent symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping on one side also eliminates airway blockage. For severe OSA, patients may get relief from surgery and the use of sleep apnea machine. The goal of surgery is to remove excess tissue and widen the airway. This procedure is highly effective provided the obstruction is properly treated. Sleep apnea machine is administered by facial mask connected by a tube to a machine that creates airstream at a constant pressure. The device delivers pressurized air to keep the throat open during sleep.