Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Sleep Apnea)
Description
A potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep causing dangerously low oxygen contents during the night. The low oxygen can result in hypertension, stroke and heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by airway obstruction during the night and results from large tonsils/adenoids and/or obesity, More than 12 million people in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea.
Symptoms
Excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, periods of not breathing (apnea), awakening not rested in the morning, abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, morning headaches, recent weight gain, limited attention, memory loss, poor judgment, personality changes, lethargy.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. A survey to detect sleep abnormalities is taken. A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, is usually performed. Additional tests may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
The goal of therapy is to keep the airway open during the night. Losing weight, and surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat may be recommended. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves the use of a specially-designed mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth at night may be prescribed.
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- ENT (Otolaryngology)
- Family Practice
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Obstructive sleep apnea (Sleep apnea)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.
What is the typical length of time that someone stops breathing with sleep apnea? Many times my husband goes for 30-40 seconds before he takes another breath. Sleep apnea affects more than the one with it. I sleep with one ear tuned "no breathing" mode.