Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

The sleep disorder in which there is breathing suddenly stops and starts repeatedly. In sleep apnea people also complain about snoring. There are three main types of sleep apnea include obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea syndrome.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:Sleep Apnea Symptoms causes treatment

  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Headache after waking up in morning
Causes

Obstructive sleep apnea usually causes when there is obstruction of nasopharynx occurred. Any mass in the nasopharynx or muscles of soft palate mostly involved in the obstruction of nasopharynx. Central sleep apnea is a less common variety of sleep apnea, it usually causes when there is delay of signal transmission from the brain to the breathing muscles.

Diagnosis

After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following test:

  • Home sleep tests
  • Nocturnal polysomnography
  • Blood test to check any other cause
  • Imaging test of brain to check any abnormality in brain substance
Treatment

Treatment options include:

  • Oxygen supplements
  • Continuus positive airway pressure to support airway patency
  • Oral appliance to open throat
  • Surgical removal of mass which causes obstruction
  • Nerve stimulation for central sleep apnea
Lifestyle and home remedies

Following tips will help you:

  • Exercise daily
  • Lose weight
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid smoking
  • Eat healthy food
Scroll to Top