What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a common, yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder. It afflicts 20 million adult men and women in the U.S. People who have OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep because their airway collapses.

Airway collapse may be due to such factors as a large tongue, extra tissue in the airway, or decreased muscle tone holding the airway open. As a result, air is prevented from getting into the lungs. 

These pauses in breathing can happen 30 times or more per hour. When healthy sleep is interrupted in this way, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other serious conditions may increase.

How do I know if I have OSA?

OSA can occur in men, women and children of all ages and sizes. Most people who have OSA do not realize they suffer from the condition. Often, it is the bed partner who notices the first signs of OSA.  

If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the of the following symptoms, it may be OSA. Please share with Dr. Tincher if any of the following symptoms apply to you.

Key signs and symptoms include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Loud or disruptive snoring

Gasping or choking during sleep

Other Common Symptoms Include:

Grogginess and morning headaches

Frequent urination at night

Depression and irritablity

OSA is more common in people who: 

Are Obese 

Have a Large neck or crowding of the upper airway

What happens if I have OSA and I don't treat it properly? 

People who do not seek diagnosis and treatment for OSA may increase their risk for: 

 High Blood Pressure

 Irregular heart rhythms or heart disease

 Heart Attack

 Stroke

 Driving or work-related accidents

For more information please go to www.somnomed.com 

Reference:

Philips Health Care. (2009). Understanding Sleep Apnea. Nevada.