Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Questions and Answers about Obstructive Sleep Apnea

(Click Here for Videos Discussing Snoring and Sleep Apnea)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep.

• Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.

• Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.

What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?

• Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils or a thick soft palate

• Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open

• The tongue falling back and closing off the airway

How many people have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

• 4 in 100 middle-aged men and 2 in 100 middle-aged women have Obstructive Sleep apnea

• Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea is as common as adult asthma

What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?

Possible increased risk for:

High blood pressure                             Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents

Heart disease and heart attack               Decreased quality of life

Stroke

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?

If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Check the following that apply:

  Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing           Poor judgment or concentration

  Gasping or choking during sleep                           Irritability

  Restless sleep                                                       Memory loss

  Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day       High blood pressure

  Depression                                                             Obesity

  Large neck size(>17" in men; > 16" in women)     Crowded airway

  Morning headache                                                  Sexual dysfunction

  Frequent urination at night

What should you do if you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

• Make an appointment at the Mann ENT Clinic to discuss this problem with one of our doctors, all of whom specialize in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring.

• A Sleep Study will likely be ordered; a sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe.  This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.

What is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common treatment is:

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PaP".

• Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.

• Various in-office or outpatient procedures may cure the problem.

How does CPAP therapy work?

CPAP treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep.

• Breathing becomes regular

• Snoring stops

• Restful sleep is restored

• Quality of life is improved

• Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor vehicle and work accidents is reduced.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious, potentially life-altering and life-threatening condition that is:

• Easily identified

• Effectively treated

Normal Breathing/Airway is open and air flows freely to the lungs	Obstructive sleep apnea/Airway collapses and blocked air flow
CPAP therapy/Airway splinted open and air flows freely to the lungs

This information was provided by RESPIRONICS located at 1501 Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-4401.  Telephone 1-412-731-2100 or 1800-638-8208 (US and Canada).  Fax:   1-412-473-5010.  Customer service telephone: 1800-345-6443 (US and Canada).   customer Service Fax:  1800-886-0245 (US and Canada).  Visit them at http://www.respironics.com.

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