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
Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms
There are different types of sleep apnea, depending on the cause. CSA may have few or no symptoms, except for daytime sleepiness. OSA usually causes additional symptoms such as snoring, headaches, and dry mouth. Symptom of Obstructive sleep apnea include:
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Loud Snoring
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Panic Breathing
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Irregular Breathing
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Difficulty Sleeping
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Breathlessness
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Dry Mouth or Throat
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Persistent Fatigue
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Morning Headaches
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Mouth Breathing
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Daytime Fatigue
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Cognitive Difficulties
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Mood Changes
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Reduced Productivity
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Sleep Disturbances
The table summarising the common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by severity
| Severity | AHI | Symptoms |
| Mild obstructive sleep apnea symptoms | 5 – <15 |
• Loud snoring (often intermittent) • Occasional breathing pauses, gasping or choking • Non-restorative or restless sleep • Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, poor concentration • Morning dry mouth or mild headache |
| Moderate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms | 15 – <30 |
• Regular loud snoring |
| Severe obstructive sleep apnea symptoms | ≥30a |
• Very loud, persistent snoring |
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
Obstructive sleep apnea causes
These factors may lead to this condition:
Neck Circumference and Anatomy
Excess weight
Obesity significantly increases the risk of OSA, with fat deposits around the upper airway contributing to its obstruction during sleep.
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
Difficulty breathing through the nose, whether due to anatomical reasons, allergies, or other conditions, can increase the risk of OSA.
Genetic Factors
Genetics can influence the likelihood of developing OSA. A family history of sleep apnoea or related disorders can increase one's risk, highlighting the role of hereditary factors in the condition.
Age
While OSA can affect individuals of any age, the risk increases with age, especially in those over 40. However, it's important not to overlook OSA in children, who may also be at risk due to factors like enlarged tonsil tissues
Gender
Men are generally at a higher risk of developing OSA compared to women, although the risk in women increases after menopause. Hormonal differences and fat distribution patterns are thought to play a role in this disparity.
Use of Alcohol and Sedatives
Smoking
Medical Conditions
Obstructive sleep apnea treatments
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment at home
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Weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the severity of OSA in overweight individuals.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, can mitigate some age-related risk factors for OSA.
- Using saline nasal sprays or consulting a healthcare professional about decongestants or antihistamines can help keep nasal passages open.
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Oropharyngeal exercises may strengthen the muscles in the airways, potentially reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be discussed with a healthcare provider for post-menopausal women at increased risk of OSA.
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Reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol and sedatives, especially before bedtime, can help prevent relaxation of the throat muscles, which can exacerbate airway obstruction.
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Quitting smoking can reduce inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, potentially decreasing OSA symptoms.
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Treating nasal congestion, whether due to allergies or other causes, can improve airflow through the nose and reduce OSA symptoms.
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Avoiding sleeping on the back and using special pillows or devices to prevent back sleeping can help keep the airway open.
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Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease through medication and lifestyle changes can reduce OSA risk.
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Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor risk of OSA, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Obstructive sleep apnea device
- Mandibular advancement device (MAD). It looks like a mouth guard used by athletes. It attaches to the upper and lower teeth. Thanks to its joints, the jaw can move forward, stabilizing the tongue and soft palate so that the airways remain open during sleep.
- Tongue retainer. This device is similar to a mouth guard that keeps the tongue in the correct position to keep the airways open. Doctors prescribe it less frequently than MAD. It can be more difficult to get used to and may be less comfortable.
- CPAP fit over the nose or nose and mouth. They deliver pressurized air that keeps the airways open during sleep. Your doctor can tell you the correct pressure and show you how to adjust it on the device.
Obstructive sleep apnea surgery
For adults who are eligible for CPAP therapy but cannot tolerate it, or for patients who do not wish to accept CPAP therapy as a permanent form of treatment, surgery may be recommended. The surgery is usually performed on the nose, upper respiratory tract, or sometimes both.
There are several options for nasal surgery. One of these involves the part of the nose that separates the two nostrils. This part is called the nasal septum. There may be a problem with its straightness, which can be corrected with surgery. Surgery can also be performed on other nasal bones, such as the turbinates, which are located on the outer walls of the nasal passages. Other options include surgery on the paranasal sinuses and surgery to change the shape of the nose (rhinoplasty). After surgery, patients often have to use sprays and other medications for a certain period of time.
There are also many possibilities for surgery on other parts of the upper respiratory tract. Often, several procedures are performed at the same time, for example on the tongue, tonsils, jaw, and palate. In some cases, they are all performed at once. In other cases, they are performed “in parts,” which means that multiple surgeries are necessary.
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