Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to the relaxation and blockage of the upper airway. This can lead to disrupted sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. OSA can affect overall health and increase the risk of various medical conditions.

Common Symptoms of OSA

• Loud snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Pauses in breathing: Witnessed by a partner or recorded by monitoring devices.
• Daytime sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired or drowsy during the day.
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Restless sleep

Causes and Risk Factors

• Excess weight: A major risk factor due to fat deposits around the upper airway, which can obstruct breathing.
• Neck circumference: A larger neck can narrow the airway.
• Aging: OSA is more common in older adults.
• Gender: More common in men, but risk increases in women after menopause.
• Family history: Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing OSA.
• Nasal congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose increases the risk of airway obstruction.
• Use of alcohol or sedatives: These relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the likelihood of airway obstruction.

Diagnosis

• Medical history and symptom review: Discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider.
• Physical examination: Includes checking for signs like enlarged tonsils or high blood pressure.
• Sleep study (polysomnography):
  • In-lab sleep study: Monitors breathing, oxygen levels, and brain activity during sleep.
  • Home sleep apnea test: A simplified test done at home to monitor heart rate, airflow, and breathing patterns.

Treatment Options

• Lifestyle changes:
  • Weight loss: Reduces airway obstruction.
  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Helps maintain muscle tone in the throat.
  • Sleep position adjustment: Sleeping on the side instead of the back can reduce symptoms.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy:
  • Primary treatment for OSA. Uses a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open.
• Oral appliances:
  • Mouth guards: Custom-fitted devices that help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue.
• Surgery:
  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
  • Tonsillectomy: For individuals with enlarged tonsils contributing to airway obstruction.
  • Maxillomandibular advancement: Moves the upper and lower jaw forward to enlarge the space behind the tongue and soft palate.

Prevention and Management Strategies

• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces the risk and severity of OSA.
• Exercise regularly: Helps manage weight and improve breathing.
• Limit alcohol and sedatives: Reduces relaxation of throat muscles.
• Sleep on your side: Helps keep the airway open during sleep.
• Maintain good sleep hygiene: Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Complications of OSA

• High blood pressure: OSA can worsen hypertension due to repeated drops in oxygen levels.
• Heart disease: Increased risk of heart attack, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes: OSA is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance.
• Daytime fatigue: Can lead to poor performance at work or school and an increased risk of accidents.
• Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
• Liver problems: Evidence of liver damage, more common in people with OSA.