Obstructive sleep apnea

People who have obstructive sleep apnea usually experience the problem of feeling sleepy during the day. It is because OSA leads to reduced oxygen supply episodes to the brain and throughout the body causing poor quality sleep. It leads to drowsiness during the day and clarity lacking in the morning. Here are some obstructive sleep apnea symptoms reported by people who share the bed with the patient: 

• Snorting 
• Choking 
• Loud snowing 
• Breathing interference during sleep 
• Snorting 

These above symptoms are identified when complained by other person or during the regular screening of health. People who have obstructive sleep apnea experience the following symptoms: 

• Forgetfulness 
• Feeling of drowsiness 
• Headaches in the morning 
• Grumpy feeling
• Repetitive awakenings during the night 

Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:

• Losing interest in sexual activity 
• Depression that worsens with time 
• Hyperactive in children 
• Poor job performances

The causes of obstructive sleep apnea are linked to certain conditions such as:

• A breathing disorder among people who are obese, it is known as obesity hypoventilation syndrome 
• Endocrine conditions like acromegaly, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and hypothyroidism cause breathing problems during sleep 
• Severe lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Heart or kidney failure causes fluid accumulation in the neck and blocks the upper airway 
• Pregnancy 
• Neuromuscular disorders such as stroke interrupt the brain signals to the chest muscles and airway

To confirm the obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, the doctor will involve physical evaluation asking about the sleeping patterns of the patient. People living with the patient or sharing the bed regularly will be asked about their sleeping habits. The doctor might ask the patient to spend a night in the sleep laboratory or perform a sleep study at the house. The doctor will monitor the following things:

• Airflow
• Brain’s electrical activity 
• Heart rate or rhythm 
• Levels of blood oxygen 
• Movement of the legs and arms
• Muscle activity 
• Patterns of breathing during the night 
• Eye movement

The doctor involves the options for obstructive sleep apnea treatment depending on the patient’s symptoms. Here are some common treatment options recommended often:

• Losing weight- This will make a huge difference as the doctor says even losing 10 percent weight can reduce breathing problems during sleep.
• It is recommended to quit alcohol or taking sleeping pills as it causes the airway to close while the patient is asleep and keeps the patient from breathing for a long time.
• Sleeping on the side is recommended but this option is only beneficial when sleep apnea is mild. 
• Nasal sprays also are recommended as they help in reducing sinus issues and nasal congestion as they might make it difficult to breathe when the patient is asleep. 
• CPAP machine- It is a device that has a mask and can be worn by the patient over his/her mouth, nose, or both. There is an air blower in the device that ensures consistent air through the mouth or nose. The airway pressure is sufficient to keep the airway tissues from relaxing excessively during sleep. 
• Oral devices- If the patient has moderate sleep apnea, then oral devices like mandibular advances are recommended. It will help in keeping the tongue from restricting the throat or bringing the lower jaw forward. Oral devices help keep the airway open during sleep. A dental professional assists in deciding which kind of device should be used. 
• Surgery- Surgery is recommended for people who experience issues of additional or uneven tissue blocking airflow through the throat or nose. Types of surgery that are often used involve somnoplasty, nasal surgery, UP3, upper-airway stimulator, and mandibular advancement surgery.

Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur is among the eminent multi-special hospitals operating in the city for decades. The hospital has integrated the most amazing and experienced doctors including other staff members. We ensure dedicating ourselves to offering exceptional and satisfactory patient care. The primary objective behind the inception of this hospital is to make healthcare services available to everyone at an affordable cost including the finest treatment. So, if you are looking for obstructive sleep apnea treatment then get in touch with our most skilled and highly talented healthcare professionals at RBH.