An Overview of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Did you know that 20 million adults suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea? It effects both men and women.

Do you know what Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is? People who suffers from OSA actually stops breathing repeatedly when they sleep. Why do they do this? Their airways collapses because of such obstructions as a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway or even decreased muscle function around the airway. Then air doesn't get into the lungs as it should.

Some people who suffer from OSA have as many as 30 pauses from breathing in one hour as they sleep. When this occurs in such high frequency many functions of the body can then become compromised.

Lets take a look at some factors concerning OSA.

First, OSA can effect men, women and even children of all sizes, shapes and ages.

Most people who suffer from OSA do not realize they have it.. It is those who have to live with them, especially those who sleep in the same bed or room with them that realizes that there is a problem.

If one snores regularly, than he or she is more apt to be suffering from OSA. Some of the key signs that may signal that a person may be suffering from OSA are:

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Loud snoring

Sounds of gasping or choking during sleep.

Some other common signs are:

Morning headaches or grogginess

Frequent urination at night

Depression

Obesity

Large neck or crowding of the upper airway

Post-menopausal women

If you have OSA and you don't treat it, you are at risk of developing other health problems such as:

High blood pressure

Irregular heart rhythms or heart disease

Heart attack

Stroke

Accidents while driving from being sleep deprived

OSA is usually diagnosed with a sleep specialist, who will monitor you overnight with the use of different diagnostic tools such as a polysomnogram

There are several different forms of treatment your doctor may prescribed if OSA is diagnosed. Some treat options are: the use of a bi-level PAP machine for severe cases, Auto-PAP machine with the use of a mask that will gently provide air through your nose as you sleep, surgery, body position modification for sleeping or oral appliances you can wear in your mouth.