What is obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA is caused by a combination of factors, including:
* Narrowed airway: The airway may be narrowed by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, or soft palate tissue.
* Weak throat muscles: The muscles in the throat may relax too much during sleep, allowing the airway to collapse.
* Obesity: Obesity can contribute to OSA by increasing the amount of fat around the neck, which can narrow the airway.
* Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart failure, diabetes, and thyroid problems, can increase the risk of OSA.
Symptoms of OSA include:
* Loud snoring
* Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
* Gasping or choking during sleep
* Morning headaches
* Excessive daytime sleepiness
* Difficulty concentrating
* Irritability
* Memory loss
OSA can lead to several serious health problems, including:
* Heart disease
* Stroke
* Diabetes
* Obesity
* Depression
* Increased risk of accidents
If you think you may have OSA, talk to your doctor. A sleep study can be used to diagnose OSA and determine the best treatment options.
Treatment options for OSA include:
* Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed, and sleeping on your side can help improve OSA symptoms.
* Oral appliances: Oral appliances can be worn at night to help keep the airway open.
* Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for OSA. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask that delivers pressurized air to the airway, which helps keep it open.
Surgery may be an option for people who do not respond to other treatments.