Understanding Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is usually a chronic illness that disrupts sleep several times each night every time breathing is paused, resulting in poor quality of sleep for the sufferer. This further leads to other side effects such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.

Sleep apnea cannot be easily diagnosed. It is difficult for doctors to identify the condition. It also does not appear in blood tests or other common laboratory examinations. Many people have sleep apnea but are unaware of their condition because the disorder occurs only during sleep. The bed partner or a member of the family may possibly be the first to notice the signs of the condition.

When left untreated, sleep apnea can result in elevated blood pressure, heart attack, or even premature death. Immediate medical attention is required for this potentially life-threatening condition. Sleep apnea is a condition that gets worse as you age.

Behavioral changes such as losing weight and sleeping on one side are often advised to people suffering from mild sleep apnea. Oral devices are available to help keep the airway open and reduce snoring by elevating the soft palate, bringing the jaw forward, or keeping the tongue from blocking the airway.

Treatment for moderate to more serious cases of sleep apnea involves the use of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). CPAP is a respiratory equipment for obstructive sleep apnea that blows air into the nose through a mask. It consists of three parts: the compressor, the tubing, and the mask or cannula.

The continuous air pressure keeps the airway open, helping the user to have normal and unobstructed breathing throughout his sleep. This process also helps to reduce the abnormally loud snoring that goes with the disorder.

Other forms of treatment for sleep apnea include surgical procedures such as tracheostomy, mandibular myotomy, and ovulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).