Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which can last for a few seconds to minutes, and can occur up to 30 times or more per hour. The most common cause of OSA is an obstruction in the upper airway due to an enlarged tongue, enlarged tonsils, or a narrowed airway due to obesity. Other causes of OSA can include the presence of a deviated septum, a small jaw, and chronic nasal congestion.
Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing OSA. These include being overweight, being over 40, having a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, drinking alcohol, and having a large neck circumference. Gender also plays a role, as men are more likely to develop OSA than women.
Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA is most commonly diagnosed by a sleep study, which is a test done in a sleep laboratory. During the sleep study, the patient is monitored for breathing, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and other factors. If OSA is suspected, the sleep doctor may order an overnight sleep study or a home sleep study.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treatment for OSA usually involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol. Other treatments include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which helps to keep the airway open while sleeping. Surgery may also be recommended to remove any obstruction in the upper airway.
In conclusion, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is an obstruction in the upper airway due to an enlarged tongue, enlarged tonsils, or a narrowed airway due to obesity. Risk factors for OSA include being overweight, being over 40, having a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, drinking alcohol, and having a large neck circumference. OSA is usually diagnosed by a sleep study and treated with lifestyle changes, CPAP, and surgery.