What is obstructive sleep apnea?
OSA occurs when the muscles surrounding the throat relax downward and temporarily block the airway during deep sleep. Snoring is the mildest symptom, but OSA can also cause a person to completely stop breathing for prolonged periods. Over time, this can cause major health problems.Is it dangerous?
Yes, OSA can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Repetitious drops in blood oxygen levels can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and even small-vessel brain damage. Chronic sleep disruption can cause elevated blood sugars, fatigue, and depression. Atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm disorder in which the top chambers of the heart beat erratically, is highly associated with severe OSA. If you have OSA, you’re also at a higher risk for:- Heart failure
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Glaucoma
- Surgical complications
Symptoms of OSA
OSA can be difficult to diagnose. Though a person may be aware of the side effects, he/she may not be aware of snoring or pauses in breathing. It’s usually a person’s spouse or partner that reports those signs. Symptoms of OSA include:- Frequent waking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Mental fogginess or depression
- Confusion or a headache upon waking
- Hypertension
Treatment
It’s important for anyone exhibiting signs of OSA to consult their doctor before serious medical consequences develop. If indicated, lifestyle changes may be advised, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, or more exercise. In some cases, a positive-pressure breathing apparatus called a CPAP is ordered, which is worn at night to keep the airway open. If all else fails, a surgical solution may be discussed.The team at Florida ENT are dedicated to helping you resolve your OSA.
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