Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Symptoms, and causes

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to breathing pauses or shallow breathing. These interruptions not only disrupt sleep quality but also pose significant health risks if left unaddressed. Could we unknowingly be living under this threat? Discover more about OSA with CPAP Discount Warehouse in the following article

Obstructive sleep apnea overview

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent but serious sleep disorder marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This happens when the muscles supporting the throat's soft tissues, such as the tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. This relaxation narrows or closes the airway, momentarily halting breathing.

OSA arises from a physical obstruction in the airway, while Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs due to the brain failing to send proper signals to the breathing muscles. Unlike OSA, CSA involves no physical blockage; instead, the body temporarily stops its effort to breathe. Although both conditions disrupt sleep, they stem from distinct causes and require different sleep apnea treatment approaches

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

The primary symptom of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds as normal breathing resumes. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other signs include excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, trouble concentrating, and increased irritability. While sleep apnea can occur in people of any age or body type, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged individuals who are overweight.

Symptoms commonly seen in obstructive sleep apnea

• Loud Snoring: Persistent, loud snoring with varying intensity.

• Panic Breathing: Short pauses in breathing, often accompanied by jerks or unusual noises.

• Irregular Breathing: Episodes where breathing stops and restarts abruptly.

• Difficulty Sleeping: Trouble staying asleep or frequent awakenings during the night.

• Breathlessness: Experiencing shortness of breath or choking sensations while sleeping.

• Dry Mouth or Throat: A dry sensation in the mouth or throat after waking.

• Persistent Fatigue: Feeling exhausted or lethargic despite adequate sleep.

• Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches, likely caused by reduced oxygen levels during sleep.

• Mouth Breathing: Dryness in the mouth, particularly if mouth breathing occurs during sleep.

• Daytime Fatigue: Consistently feeling sleepy or low on energy throughout the day.

• Cognitive Difficulties: Struggling with concentration, memory, or processing information.

• Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression.

• Reduced Productivity: Decreased efficiency at work or challenges in managing daily tasks.

• Sleep Disturbances: Issues such as light sleep, nightmares, or episodes of sleepwalking.

• Sexual Dysfunction: A noticeable decline in libido or sexual drive.

When to see a doctor

If you experience loud snoring that interrupts your sleep, notice breathing pauses during the night, or struggle with severe daytime fatigue that impacts your daily activities, it is essential to seek medical advice. These symptoms may point to obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder requiring professional assessment and treatment.

>>> Learn more about: What Causes Snoring in Females? The Risks and Causes

Causes of Obstructive sleep anpea

Obstructive sleep apnea arises when throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or become blocked. Contributing factors include excess weight, enlarged tonsils, or naturally narrowed airways. Additional risk factors encompass smoking, alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, and a family history of sleep apnea. Below are key causes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, which may lead to this condition:

Relaxation of Throat Muscles

During sleep, the muscles in the back of the throat can relax excessively, causing the airway to collapse or become blocked. This obstruction interrupts airflow and leads to breathing pauses.

Excess weight

Obesity significantly increases the risk of airway obstruction, as excess fat around the neck and throat exerts pressure on the airway, making it more prone to collapse.

Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids

In both children and adults, enlarged tonsils or adenoids can obstruct the throat, reducing airflow. This is especially common in children, who are more vulnerable to such blockages.

Structural Abnormalities

Certain physical characteristics, such as a thick neck, large tongue, or deviated septum, can narrow the airway, increasing the likelihood of obstruction during sleep.

Nasal Congestion

Chronic nasal congestion or conditions like sinusitis can hinder nasal breathing, forcing mouth breathing and raising the risk of airway collapse.

Genetic Factors

A family history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can increase susceptibility. Genetic predisposition may influence airway structure or other risk factors.

Age

Advancing age raises the risk of OSA, as throat muscles lose tone and elasticity over time, making the airway more prone to collapse.

Gender

Men are at a higher risk of OSA compared to women, due to hormonal and anatomical differences that contribute to airway obstruction.

Other Contributing Factors

Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol relaxes throat muscles excessively, increasing the likelihood of airway collapse and worsening OSA.

Smoking: Smoking inflames and irritates the airways, causing swelling and increased mucus production, which can obstruct airflow.

Medications: Certain sedatives or muscle relaxants can further relax the throat muscles, aggravating airway obstruction.