Table of Contents
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA Full Form is Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds and may occur 30 times or more per hour. Each pause in breathing can reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood, leading to several health problems.
People with OSA are typically unaware of their condition, but family and bed partners may notice loud snoring and periods of silence followed by gasping or choking. Symptoms of OSA include fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
OSA is a common disorder, affecting an estimated 18 million Americans. It is more common in men and overweight people.
Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are many signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The most common are:
- Snoring
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Waking up with a headache
- Feeling tired during the day, even after a good night’s sleep
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Difficulty staying asleep
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are many potential causes of obstructive sleep apnea. These include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women)
- Having a deviated septum
- Having a nasal polyp
- Having a large tongue
- Having a receding chin or small jaw
- Taking certain medications, such as decongestants or sedatives
Risk Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are many known risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. Some of the most common include: being overweight or obese, having a large neck size (17 inches or more for men, 16 inches or more for women), having a family history of sleep apnea, being a smoker, and being over the age of 50. Other risk factors include asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
When to Seek Medical Help for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical help:
- Snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Frequent awakenings
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Poor work performance
- Lack of energy
- Depression
Treatments of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
There are a few different treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. The most common is a CPAP machine which forces air through the airways to keep them open. If CPAP is not effective, surgery may be recommended.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:
- Snoring.
- I feel exhausted during the day, even after a good night’s sleep.
- I was waking up with a headache.
- Memory problems, trouble concentrating, or feeling irritable.
- Dry mouth or a sore throat when you wake up.
- She is gasping or choking during sleep.
