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Sleep Apnea - Causes, Symptons, and Treatments for this Common Disorder

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

There are three types of the disorder termed Sleep Apnea. An apnea, or episode, is basically when breaths are actually missed during sleep. Sleep Apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or cessation (pause) of breathing (airflow) during sleep. Sleep Apnea is a disorder affecting about 18 million Americans that has the potential for serious, and even fatal complications. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed, and such episodes occur repeatedly throughout sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. It is common among adults but rare among children. Someone with sleep apnea may be aware of snorting, gasping, or waking up short of breath. However, because they are asleep, many may not realize anything is happening at all. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, or a large tongue, and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. This cycle repeats itself many times during the night and may result in sleep deprivation and a number of health-related problems.

For people with sleep apnea, the combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may lead to hypertension, heart disease and mood and memory problems.

There are three types of sleep apnea - obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, (OSA) is by far the most widespread. (OSA) can be mild, moderate or severe.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy may prove beneficial in correcting this condition.

A possible recommendation for children with sleep apnea is to remove the child's tonsils and adenoid. It is highly effective in treating sleep apnea.

An effective treatment is nasal continuous positive airway pressure (C-PAP) , which requires a person to wear a mask while sleeping.

A sleep study called a polysomnogram (PSG) can be done. The person's throat, neck and mouth will be checked for any abnormalities. This study records eye movement, brain waves, muscle activity, rate of breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen levels and the amount of air being inhaled and exhaled while the patient sleeps.

Typical symptoms of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are daytime sleepiness, drowsy driving, snoring, and episodes of stopping breathing that are noted by the bed partner. Most treatment regimens begin with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and medications that relax the central nervous system (e.g., sedatives and muscle relaxants), losing weight, and stopping smoking.

The vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

There remains a lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals. More research and knowledge is needed and, of course, necessary. We also need to make the general public aware of this severe disorder and make sure that the healthcare professionals recognize and treat those persons who suffer with this ailment every day.

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