After the sudden death of legendary singer Bappi Lahiri, sleep apnea has become a major health concern. It has been observed that sleep apnea can lead to chronic illness or even sudden cardiac arrest. But what is sleep apnea? how does this work? Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the two main types of sleep apnea.
Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send signals to breathe. CSA can be caused by neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, inflammation/infection (encephalitis), stroke or brainstem involvement from injury. Other causes of CSA include congestive heart failure, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, etc.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there is a problem with the mechanics of breathing. In adults, the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea are excess weight and obesity; other possible causes or risk factors for OSA include short neck, hypothyroidism, deviated nasal septum, or any medical condition that closes or obstructs the upper airway. Is.
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Smoking and consuming alcohol or drugs can also make the condition worse. In children, OSA is usually caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids and certain dental abnormalities. Childhood obesity (though not as common as in adults) or tumors/growths in the airways, and birth defects such as Down syndrome can also result in OSA.
Dr Sandeep Nair, Senior Director & HOD, Chest & Respiratory Diseases, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital explains how sleep apnea can be a serious health problem, its symptoms and how to treat sleep apnea.
Is sleep apnea a serious health problem?
Dr Nair says, “If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious problems. This can lead to a number of disorders including high blood pressure, stroke, angina, abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease and depression. In addition, daytime sleepiness can lead to lethargy, lack of concentration at work, and even vehicle accidents.”
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Dr. Nayyar explains 5 common symptoms of sleep apnea.
– excessive snoring at night
– A husband or someone at home who watches the patient sleep will describe episodes in which the patient stops breathing and gasps for air during sleep.
Waking up with complaints of dry mouth and headache in the morning.
Excessive sleepiness during the day and difficulty in concentrating on work.
Lack of sleep can lead to forgetfulness, mood swings and irritability.
How can one prevent sleep apnea?
Dr Nayyar explains, “First we need to find out the cause of sleep apnea and try to treat it. Any obstruction in the airways such as tonsils or adenoids in children can be treated by tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Any central cause such as a tumor or infection should be treated. Some mandibular advancement devices can correct symptoms in conditions such as retrognathia. Some patients may benefit from surgery on the upper airway but recurrence can occur. The most common and gold standard treatment is the application of CPAP or bilevel PAP overnight.”
“In addition, lifestyle modifications such as daily exercise, weight reduction, avoiding alcohol or sleeping pills at night, and quitting smoking certainly help relieve symptoms,” he adds.