Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common sleeping disorder. It is caused by a recurrent obstruction of the airway during sleep.
This obstruction can last for ten seconds or more and can cause a person to feel like they cannot breathe. The resulting symptoms are not only disruptive to sleep, but can also lead to health complications.
There are several risk factors for developing OSA. Some of them are age, body weight, and certain head and neck anatomy. If you are experiencing any of these, it is important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Sleep apnea can be treated through a variety of methods. One of the most common treatments is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP works by increasing the pressure in the airway during sleep.
Another treatment is a special mouthpiece device that holds your tongue in a fixed position.
Other treatments include removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids. A procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may also be needed. These procedures are used to treat people who have obstructive sleep apnea.
Using a screening questionnaire is one option for identifying patients with OSA. These questionnaires measure the level of sleepiness, fatigue, and snoring. However, these questionnaires do not have the same diagnostic value as polysomnography.
Having a family history of OSA is another risk factor for apnea. People who have a first degree relative with this condition are more likely to develop it themselves.
Lifestyle changes such as losing weight and quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. However, they will not be able to cure the sleep apnea disorder.
Consult your sleep doctor or contact The Air Station for information about CPAP therapy, CPAP devices and home sleep study at your own home:
The Air Station Malaysia
Address: Level 9 Menara Summit, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia