Understanding the Key Symptoms and Treatment Methods of Sleep Apnea.

There are people whose breathing suddenly stops during sleep. This is one of the characteristics of sleep apnea patients. Recently, the prevalence of conditions causing sleep apnea, such as obesity, has been increasing, and it is expected to continue to rise.

 

Sleep apnea refers to a condition where breathing stops for more than 10 seconds during sleep due to partial obstruction of the upper airway. This leads to frequent sleep fragmentation, respiratory sleep disorders such as hypoxia and sympathetic nervous system activation. If these conditions persist, it can lead to fatal complications such as cardiovascular diseases, arrhythmias, and death during sleep, as well as daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, decreased concentration, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases.

 

As sleep apnea can lead to fatal complications, it's essential to seek appropriate treatment if symptoms are present.

 

Difference Between Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Many people often confuse sleep apnea with snoring. However, these are different conditions, and sleep apnea is distinct from snoring. Snoring is noise generated by vibration of certain tissues in the upper airway during sleep, while sleep apnea is caused by obstruction of the upper airway leading to reduced oxygen levels. It's reported that sleep apnea is present in 20-70% of patients with snoring.

 

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

In addition to respiratory pauses, sleep apnea can exhibit various symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry throat, and feeling unrefreshed upon waking. Major risk factors for this condition include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, as well as anatomical issues and other health conditions.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

To diagnose sleep apnea, a polysomnography test needs to be conducted. If there are five or more breathing events per hour along with other clinical symptoms or continued respiratory events, a diagnosis of sleep apnea is made.

 

The standard treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This treatment involves delivering air through the nose to prevent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. It has been shown to improve daytime sleepiness, quality of life, and lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. While this treatment may have minor side effects, serious adverse effects are rare.

 

Sleep apnea disrupts deep sleep and requires treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to fatal complications and deterioration in sleep quality, necessitating caution. Reducing obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can aid in prevention.

 

As sleep apnea can lead to fatal complications, it's essential to seek appropriate treatment if symptoms are present. It's important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and follow the doctor's instructions during treatment.