Summary about Disease
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur many times per hour. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep. This disrupts sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and other health problems.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, high blood pressure, decreased libido, and restless sleep. Children may exhibit poor school performance, hyperactivity, and bedwetting.
Causes
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is primarily caused by relaxation of throat muscles, leading to airway obstruction. Risk factors include obesity, large neck circumference, a narrow airway, being male, older age, family history, nasal congestion, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine that cures sleep apnea. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and addressing the underlying cause. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common treatment. Other options include oral appliances, surgery (e.g., uvulopalatopharyngoplasty - UPPP), and medications to treat associated conditions like nasal congestion or excessive daytime sleepiness (e.g., modafinil).
Is Communicable
Sleep apnea is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to reduce the risk or severity of sleep apnea include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, sleeping on your side, quitting smoking, and treating nasal congestion.
How long does an outbreak last?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition, not an outbreak. It persists unless effectively treated. Untreated, the symptoms continue indefinitely.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study (polysomnography), which monitors brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) may also be used in some cases. A doctor will review the sleep study results and medical history to make a diagnosis.
Timeline of Symptoms
Sleep apnea symptoms usually develop gradually. Initially, a person might experience occasional snoring. Over time, the snoring may become louder and more frequent. As the condition progresses, noticeable pauses in breathing and gasping for air during sleep may occur. Daytime sleepiness and other related symptoms also worsen as the condition remains untreated.
Important Considerations
Sleep apnea can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and accidents. It's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have sleep apnea. Adherence to prescribed treatment, such as CPAP therapy, is essential for managing the condition effectively and preventing complications. Regular follow-up with a healthcare professional is recommended.