Obstructive Sleep Apnea
#58
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing stops for periods of time during sleep due to the upper airway being partially or fully blocked.
OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax (a natural process), which can cause the airway to narrow or close up.
Symptoms
Symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, waking during the night gasping for air/choking, mood changes like depression, constantly waking up at night with the feeling of needing to urinate, dry/sore throat after waking up, headache, fatigue, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Risk Factors
People who:
smoke
have a family history of OSA
are overweight/obese
over the age of 50
have high blood pressure
have a naturally narrow airway
are male
have a neck greater than 16-17 inches
have chronic nasal congestion
are at a greater risk of developing OSA.
Treatment
OSA is a chronic condition, so there is no cure. However, treatments such as sleeping with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask, wearing an oral device, getting surgery, or making lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms.
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