Know Some Important Points About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Stopping breathing repeatedly throughout the night is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Various factors can contribute to this, including your body type and head and neck shape. When untreated, OSA can disrupt sleep significantly. It also has a role in conditions that are quite serious, even potentially fatal.
What is OSA?
The condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. The dip in blood oxygen levels caused by the obstruction and lack of airflow can activate a survival reaction, waking you up just enough to breathe again.
This reaction is essential for maintaining breathing, but it prevents you from falling asleep. Poor sleep quality is a direct result of an increase in the number of nighttime interruptions. That can cause various symptoms, some of which can be quite bothersome or deadly.
Which people are most likely to acquire OSA?
Although OSA can affect everyone, it is more prevalent in the following situations and populations:
- A male genitalia at birth (AMAB) is more common before age 50. After age 50, the incidence is the same for AFAB and non-AFAB individuals.
- The possibility of getting it grows as one gets older.
- People of African, Hispanic, and Asian ancestry are disproportionately affected by this disease, and being overweight or obese greatly increases one’s risk of having it.
How prevalent does OSA seem to be?
OSA is not prevalent but is quite common. Experts estimate the global prevalence to be between 5% and 10%. The majority rises to 20% or higher in those aged 65 and up. Experts aren’t sure how widespread this problem is because so many people with this ailment don’t know they have it.
When does obstructive sleep apnea show up?
A variety of signs and symptoms can indicate that you have OSA. Some occur when a person is awake, while others do so while sleeping.
Symptoms associated with being awake include:
- Extreme fatigue upon awakening: Despite getting eight hours or more of sleep, some still report feeling exhausted.
- Insomnia during the day: Extreme examples of this might result in sleepiness while driving, working, or performing other tasks.
- Mood swings: Sleep apnea is associated with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Impairments in cognitive performance: Problems with recalling information, maintaining focus, and other cognitive issues fall into this category.
- Headaches: These are frequently the first things one notices upon rousing.
- Lack of sleep.
- Illnesses relating to libido.
Sleep-centered symptoms include:
- Snoring is one of the most common sleep-related symptoms. Although not always the case, this is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is not always accompanied by snoring.
- People often don’t know when or why they woke up, making it more difficult to spot this symptom. Those who do this frequently report waking up due to something else, including indigestion or the desire to use the loo.
- Sleep interruptions that others can see, such as breathing stops. A sleeping partner, spouse, or other close friend or family member may notice these signs.
- Sleeplessness and nighttime perspiring are symptoms of a problem.
- Experiencing morning shortness of breath or a sensation of suffocation.
Where does obstructive sleep apnea come from?
obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common kind of sleep apnea and has many potential causes. The events listed below can occur singly or in many permutations. The following can either exacerbate OSA or cause it entirely:
- Exacerbated by extra weight: Weight gain can be exacerbated by the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on the body’s metabolic and other processes.
- Structural factors: Underbite (also known as “retrognathia” or “retro-nath-ee-uh”) and exceptionally small lower jaw (micrognathia) are both associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A neck circumference of more than 16 inches (40 centimetres) or an abnormally large tongue are further examples of structural abnormalities.
- The influence of genetics: Conditions like Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, which can alter the structure of your skull and neck, fall under this category.
How obstructive sleep apnea is treated, and is there a cure for it?
Depending on the severity of the condition and its root cause, various treatments exist for obstructive sleep apnea. Although none of these interventions is a cure, they can lessen the severity or frequency of apnea episodes.
- Conservative (nonmedical) treatments are also an option.
- Tools for delivering positive airway pressure and adjusting ventilation.
- Dental aids (in the form of mouthpieces).
- Stimulators of the nerves.
- Surgical procedures.
Conclusion
Dr. Sheetu Singh is Jaipur’s greatest obstructive sleep apnea doctor, and you should see him if you have obstructive sleep apnea. When attempting to treat sleep apnea, having easy access to a specialist who specialises in the issue is essential. Dr. Sheetu Singh, a reputable local sleep apnea specialist, provides in-depth exams, individualised care, and precise diagnosis. We place a premium on sleep apnea care that works to enhance day-to-day functioning and nighttime rest.
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