Unmasking Sleep Apnea

Characterised by episodes of complete or partial airway collapse, Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA has significant implications for cardiovascular health, mental illness, quality of life, and driving safety.

What happens in Obstructive sleep Apnea?

• OSA leads to episodes where the airway completely or partially collapses.

• If it collapses completely, it causes apnea or no breathing

• In case of partial collapse, it causes hypopnea, or decreased breathing.

• Both these states reduce the oxygen saturation, which awakes the individual

• Repeated episodes lead to a disturbed sleep, daytime sleepiness, lethargy

Why does this happen?

• During sleep, breathing drive decreases normally.

• Pharyngeal narrowing due to large neck circumference or obesity

• Generalised inflammation that occurs with chronic respiratory diseases

What are the treatment options available ?

• Lifestyle Changes and Treating Underlying Medical Conditions is a must

• Weight loss is a must for obese patients with OSA

• Positional Therapy- Sleeping on the side can reduce symptoms

• Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy

• Mandibular advancements devices (MAD) can be used to bring the lower jaw forward and relieve airway obstruction .

• Surgical Treatments- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Summary

• OSA is characterised by complete or partial stop in breathing at night, leading to arousal from sleep and reduced saturation of oxygen

• Commonly seen with obesity, large neck, chronic respiratory diseases

• OSA leads to snoring, daytime sleepiness, reduced alertness, fatigue, which is treated by lifestyle changes, treating underlying conditions effectively