What are the Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
- Anatomical Factors:
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
A thick neck or obesity, which can increase fat deposits around the neck
A narrow airway, which can be a genetic trait
Structural abnormalities of the jaw or facial bones - Age and Gender: OSA is more common in older adults and men. Women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to the narrowing of the airway.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking and alcohol use can relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the risk of airway obstruction.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and certain neurological conditions can increase the likelihood of OSA.
What are the Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
- Loud Snoring: Often noted by bed partners, it may be punctuated by pauses in breathing.
- Choking or Gasping: People with OSA may experience choking or gasping during sleep.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue due to disrupted sleep cycles.
- Morning Headaches: Often a result of changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels during sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Cognitive issues due to poor sleep quality.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, depression, or anxiety.
- Insomnia or Trouble Staying Asleep: Difficulty maintaining sleep due to airway obstruction.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis often involves a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor breathing patterns and other parameters during sleep. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices, dental appliances, and in some cases, surgery to remove obstructive tissue.