OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Obstructive sleep apnea, often known as OSA, is the most frequent kind of breathing condition that occurs during sleep. If you have this problem, you may find that you stop breathing for no reason at all throughout the night. Occlusive sleep apnea is the most common form of the disorder, although there are others. This kind of obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat sometimes relax and constrict your airway while you sleep. OSA is characterised by a variety of subtle symptoms, the most noticeable of which is snoring.

Symptoms

The following are examples of symptoms and signs of OSA:

• Sudden awakenings accompanied by choking or gasping
• Awakening with sore throat or dry mouth
• Decreased libido
• Difficulty concentrating throughout the day
• Excessive sleepiness in daytime
• High blood pressure
• Loud snoring
• Mood changes, for example irritability or depression
• Morning headache
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep

Risk factors:

Anyone may acquire OSA. On the other hand, there are a few things that put you at a higher risk, including the following:

•  Excess weight: People who with obstructive sleep apnea tend to be overweight, however this is not always the case. The accumulation of fat deposits all around upper airway may make breathing difficult. OSA may be brought on by a number of obesity-related medical problems, including PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and hypothyroidism
•  Older age: The probability of obstructive sleep apnea seems to plateau between the ages of 60 and 70, despite the fact that it rises with age.
•  Narrowed airway: You might have been born with naturally small airways. There is also the possibility that your adenoids or tonsils may swell and impede your airway.
• High blood pressure (hypertension). People who have high blood pressure tend to have a higher prevalence of OSA.
•  Chronic nasal congestion: Regardless of the source, the risk of developing OSA is increased by a factor of two in those who suffer from chronic nasal congestion throughout the night. This might be the result of constricted airways.
•  Smoking: People who smoke have a greater chance of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
•  Diabetes: People who have diabetes could have a higher prevalence of OSA.
•  Sex: In average, the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea in males is two to three times higher than the risk it poses in premenopausal women. After menopause, women are more likely to get OSA than they were before.
•  A family history of sleep apnea: The presence of obstructive sleep apnea in your immediate or extended family may raise your risk.
•  Asthma: According to the findings of several studies, having asthma increases the likelihood of having OSA.