Many people wonder, “What is obstructive sleep a Phenomenon?” The answer is quite simple. During sleep, the muscles in the back of the throat relax, and the airway becomes narrow. This can keep the person from breathing for up to 10 seconds, causing the buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. The brain wakes the person briefly to open the airway, but the interruption is brief.
The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can be hard to detect, but there are sure warning signs. People with the condition often experience shortness of breath, choking, gasping, and snoring while sleeping. It’s essential to see a doctor as soon as you notice these signs or symptoms. There are several ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
An obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis usually involves a sleep study. You may be asked to stay in a sleep study centre, hospital, or even at home. A polysomnogram device will monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels throughout the night. It is the best way to identify obstructive apnea. An obstruction can also be caused because of the use of different mattress sizes, shapes, and dimensions.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. If you feel drowsy during the day, it could be an early sign of OSA. There are also a variety of treatments for this disorder. You may be prescribed a sedative to treat the condition. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation. If you suspect you have OSA, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Symptoms
Many people suffering from OSA experience daytime insomnia. OSA is a cause of low oxygen flow to the brain and other body areas. As a result, the quality of sleep is low. This leads to drowsiness in the morning and an absence of focus during the daytime. Some of the obstructive sleep apnea symptoms are mentioned below.
People who share beds with those with OSA could experience the following:
- loud snoring
- Gasps
- Snorting
- Breathing interruptions during sleep
These signs are often noticed when looking for an unrelated complaint or a health routine screening.
Patients with OSA can also suffer from these symptoms:
- Morning headache
- Feeling angry or frustrated
- Forgetfulness
- Drooling
- frequent wake-ups throughout the night
Other symptoms are:
- hyperactivity in children
- Depression
- Poor school and work performance
- The loss of interest in sex
People suffer from sleep apnea in danger of collisions with motor vehicles or industrial incidents. Treatment can be a great way to reduce the symptoms of drowsiness during the day.
What Are The Causes Behind Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
These are some of the aspects of the OSA
- Obesity Hypoventilation syndrome is a breathing condition for people who are overweight.
- Endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, acromegaly, or polycystic ovary syndrome can impact the way you breathe when you’re asleep.
- Chronic lung diseases like asthma COPD and pulmonary fibrosis
- Neuromuscular disorders, for example, strokes, can disrupt brain signals sent to your chest muscles as well as airways.
- Heart and kidney failure can result in fluid buildup in your neck and block the upper airway.
- Pregnancy
The Risk Factors
The risk of developing OSA increases when you have physical characteristics which narrow your upper airway. The risk factors for OSA include:
- Obesity
- massive tonsils
- Men with collar sizes that is 17 inches and larger
- women who have the size of a collar that is sixteen inches and more
- A large tongue could restrict airflow
- Retrognathia is the lower part of your jaw that appears smaller than your upper jaw.
- an airway with a narrower palate that is more prone to collapse
- Smoking
- A family story of OSA
How Can You Diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The identification of sleep apnea starts with an exhaustive history and physical exam. The presence of sleepiness in the daytime and snoring is a good indicator. Your physician will check your neck and head to determine any physical causes related to sleep apnea.
Your physician may request you to complete the questionnaire on daytime drowsiness and your sleep habits, and the quality of your sleep and can also suggest you the healthiest positions to sleep.
In certain situations, the test for OSA could be conducted at home, without a medical professional present. But, at-home sleep apnea testing is beneficial for diagnosing OSA in a few individuals. It’s not a substitute for other diagnostic tests when other sleep disorders may be suspected.
The tests listed below may be used to diagnose OSA.
ECG and EOM
When you take an EEG, the electrodes are connected to your scalp to track brain activity before and during sleep. The EOM also records the eye movements.
A tiny electrode is placed one centimeter above the top corner of your right eye while another one is located 1 centimeter lower than the outer lower part of your left eye. If your eyes shift off from their center, that motion is recorded.
Eye movements and brain waves inform doctors about the duration of different sleeping stages. The two significant stages of sleep are known as non-REM (non-rapid eye movements) and REM (rapid eye movements). The decrease in muscle tone and paralysis occur in REM sleep.
EMG
When you perform an EMG, the electrodes are located on the chin: one on top of your jawline and one below it. Additional electrodes are placed on both shins.
The EMG electrodes can detect the electrical activity that occurs during the movement of muscles. Muscle relaxation is expected to happen while you sleep. The EMG detects when muscles are relaxed and moving when you’re asleep.
ECG
A single-lead ECG records the electrical signals from your heart during sleep examination to check the heart rate and rhythm.
Takeaway
It is advisable to consult your physician if you’re experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or are experiencing frequent sleep problems. OSA offers a variety of options for treatment to help combat symptoms. Your doctor will design a treatment plan that incorporates treatments and lifestyle changes.
