CONDITIONS
Pulmonology
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when you stop breathing for certain periods of time during your sleep. While there are a few types of sleep apnoea, obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the breathing passageways become blocked. This is often a result of complications with the throat muscles, which may become too relaxed during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnoea can be potentially dangerous if left untreated and can lead to both heart problems and sleep disorders.
What causes obstructive sleep apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles of your throat become too relaxed, and your airways tighten. This can last for about 10 seconds and may occur multiples times during sleep. The condition can be a complication of obesity, high blood pressure, nasal congestion, asthma, smoking, diabetes and genetics.
What are the related symptoms?
Obstructive sleep apnoea is characterised the inability to breathe for certain periods of time during sleep. In many cases, however, you may not be aware of these disruptions as your brain wakes you up to correct your breathing. Other symptoms of the condition include irregular sleeping patterns, snoring, headaches in the morning, night sweats, mood swings and dry mouth. If you experience these symptoms, you may have obstructive sleep apnoea.
How is obstructive sleep apnoea diagnosed?
In order to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea, your physician will need to examine your throat and neck muscles. This will help identify any abnormalities that could be contributing to sleep apnoea. Tests, however, will need to conducted to confirm the condition. Your doctor will perform a sleep test called polysomnography to monitor your breathing as you sleep. This test may be performed overnight in hospital or at your home. You may also be referred to a sleep specialist or ENT specialist for further evaluation.
How is obstructive sleep apnoea treated?
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea largely depends on the condition’s underlying cause. In cases where sleep apnoea is caused by tissue abnormalities, surgery can be performed to correct the issue. In other cases, breathing therapy may be used to help manage and improve symptoms. Positive airway pressure can be applied via a machine during sleep to ensure your airways stay open. A special mouthpiece can also be used to achieve this. You may also need to make lifestyle changes to help manage your sleep apnoea too. This can include losing weight and quitting smoking.
