Apnea
is referred to as a pause in the normal breathing cycle. The pause in the
breathing cycle during sleep is called sleep apnea. The gap between the breathing
cycles for ten or more seconds is included in sleep apnea. There are two main
types of sleep apneas. The pause caused due to the failure of the breath
control system in the brain is known as central sleep apnea. The second type is
obstructive sleep apnea caused due to failure of the throat muscle keeping the
airway open. The supply of oxygen to the body is interrupted in both types.
Resultantly, the supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body is reduced.
What does happen in Obstructive sleep apnea?
The
pause in the breathing cycle leads to a deficiency of oxygen to the body
tissues. Less energy is required for the smooth functioning of body systems
during sleep. However, with the breathing pause, the oxygen level further
decreases. The decrease in oxygen to the body tissues necessitates an increase
in the heart rate which causes awakening the sufferer. Sometimes, the patients
awake with a jerk. It happens in the deep phase of sleep. The repeated pause in
the breathe causes disturbance in sleep. This disturbance generates different
types of sleep disorders. The people suffering from OSA are more prone to
develop snoring while asleep. Snoring results from the obstruction in the
airway.
What does cause obstructive sleep apnea?
The
obstructive sleep apnea occurs either through narrowing the airway or
completely closing the airway. The pattern of disturbance varies in both cases.
The main causes of OSA may be tonsil problems and overweight. Some of the
individuals with a large neck, small chin, small jaws, and large bite have also
been found with such problems. The habits like smoking and drinking alcohol are
also the known causes of OSA. Old age, especially above 40 can also be a reason
for developing OSA. Along with age factor, ethnicity is also a factor for
developing such sleep disorders. The people of Africa, America, Pacific Island,
and Hispania have been found with OSA. According to a study, more than 18
million adults in America are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
Complications caused by obstructive sleep apnea
Many
sleep disorders are associated with OSA. Repeated episodes of OSA lead to sleep
deprivation. Feeling sleepy and lack of interest in daily activities are the
major drawbacks of sleep apnea. Lethargy, apathy, and dizziness have been
noticed in the patients during the daytime. Other complications associated with
sleep deprivation like depression, hypertension, loss of appetite and heart
problems may also develop.
Management of obstructive sleep apnea
Management
of OSA depends on the causative factors. In some cases, the treatment is short
whereas in other cases it takes long term procedures and surveillance. Reliance
on alcohol and tobacco is the known reason for developing obstructive sleep
apnea. Discontinuation of alcohol and tobacco can b helpful to minimize the
occurrences. Most of the obese and overweight people develop with symptoms of
OSA. Reduction in weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet are
recommended for overweight people. Remember! Here weight reduction doesn’t mean
dieting. The congenital abnormalities of upper and lower jaws can be treated
through surgery depending upon the condition. The concerned surgeon can decide
the suitable procedure in this regard. Infected and enlarged tonsils are also
treated through surgical procedures. In some cases, the continuous positiveairway pressure device has been proved helpful to reduce OSA. With CPAP the air
passage remains open and allow the required amount of air to the lungs. The
consultant can recommend the CPAP device for a patient of obstructive sleep
apnea.
