Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can cause a wide range of health problems. If you have sleep apnea, you may not even know it since the most common symptom is snoring. But there are other symptoms as well, and if you experience any of them, it’s important to see a doctor and get diagnosed. Here are some things you should know about sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Snoring

Snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea but can also be a sign of other sleep disorders. If you snore, you must talk to your doctor about the possibility of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a severe condition when your breathing is interrupted during sleep. This can cause you to snore loudly and wake up frequently at night. Sleep apnea can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure if left untreated.

Pauses in Breathing During Sleep

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes and develop a treatment plan. The most common symptom of sleep apnea is paused breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for 10 seconds or more and occur dozens of times per night. Other symptoms include choking or gasping during sleep.

Daytime Sleepiness or Fatigue

However, other less well-known signs may indicate a problem. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, yet it is often overlooked. People with sleep apnea often wake up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep.

This is because their sleep is fragmented and interrupted by periods of apnea, which prevents them from reaching the deep, restful stage of sleep. In addition to fatigue, other common symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and moodiness.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

While several things can cause sleep apnea, here are some common reasons.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the airway is blocked by excess tissue, causing breathing to be interrupted during sleep. People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for this condition, as they are more likely to have excess fat around the neck and throat area.

Obesity can also cause the chest and abdominal muscles to weaken, which can further contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, people who are obese may have a higher risk of developing other medical conditions that can contribute to sleep apnea, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Narrowing of the Airway

The most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is narrowing the airway. This can be due to a variety of factors, including obesity, anatomic abnormalities, and the use of certain medications.

When the airway is narrowed, it becomes more difficult for air to flow into the lungs. As a result, breathing can become shallow and irregular, leading to interrupted sleep. In some cases, the obstruction may be so severe that it can completely block airflow. This can cause snoring or even pauses in breathing. In addition, it can also interfere with the quality of life by causing daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Treatment Sleep Apnea

You have multiple options to treat sleep apnea. These options can be broadly classified into:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

One of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP. This treatment involves using a machine to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn during sleep.

The air pressure keeps the airways open and prevents snoring and apnea. In most cases, CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea. However, some people find it challenging to use CPAP consistently, and it can take some time to get used to wearing the mask during sleep. Some side effects are associated with CPAP, such as nasal congestion and dryness. However, CPAP is a safe and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

Mouthpieces or Splints

While there are several treatment options available, mouthpieces and splints are two of the most commonly used. Both of these devices work to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing the number of apneic episodes and helping the patient to breathe more easily.

Mouthpieces are typically worn only during sleep, while splints are designed to be worn day and night. While there can be many material types, Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA) mouthpieces are the best. Using a reliable EMA sleep appliance can keep the mouth airways open, ensuring that breathing problems do not affect your sleep. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, these mouthpieces are custom-made and patient-friendly so that every patient feels comfortable wearing them. In many cases, mouthpiece and splint therapy is required to achieve the best possible results.

Surgery

Surgery is a treatment option for some people with sleep apnea. Three types of surgery are commonly used to treat sleep apnea: uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), and tracheostomy.

UPPP is the most common type of surgery for sleep apnea. It involves removing the soft palate and the uvula, the fleshy tissue in the back of the throat. MMA is used for people who have a large tongue or large tonsils. This type of surgery involves moving the jaw forward to make more space in the airway.

Tracheostomy is a last resort for people with severe sleep apnea who do not respond to other treatments. It involves making a small incision in the neck and inserting a breathing tube into the windpipe. Surgery is usually only recommended for people with severe sleep apnea who do not respond to other treatments, such as lifestyle changes or mouthpieces.

Sleep apnea is a severe condition that can lead to several health problems. If you think you may have sleep apnea, you must see a doctor and get treated. You can get a good night’s sleep and improve your overall health with the right treatment.