Gasping for Air: Diagnosing and Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
It’s time to call lights out on this common sleep disorder.
Source: VistaHealth
Affecting at least 10% of the adult population globally, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly common sleep disorder characterized by the frequent obstruction of your airflow while you sleep. This air blockage is caused by the partial or complete closing of the throat as the neck muscles relax during sleep and can result in the following symptoms:
daytime drowsiness and fatigue
disrupted breathing while sleeping followed by sudden awakening, gasping and/or choking
dry mouthfrequent need to urinate throughout the night
headaches after waking up
reduced motor skills, focus and concentration
snoring
Additionally, OSA may increase your risk of a number of other health conditions, such as asthma, cancer, kidney disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
Getting a Diagnosis
The first step is to discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider. He or she will determine whether or not you may benefit from a sleep study.
Sleep studies are generally conducted in a free-standing or hospital-based laboratory with a home-like setting. During the test, sensors will monitor when and how often your breathing slows or is interrupted, the levels of activity in the muscles associated with breathing, your oxygen levels and your brain activity. A sleep specialist will then review the results of your sleep study to develop a treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and your personal preferences.
Your Treatment Options
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine — a breathing device that gently pumps air into your throat through a mask worn while you sleep — is the most popular treatment method for OSA, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Your provider may also recommend mouthpieces or other oral appliances designed to keep your jaw in place or your tongue from obstructing airflow in place of a CPAP machine.
If your sleep disorder fails to respond to more conservative treatments, however, surgery may be recommended. Surgical treatments for OSA are generally used to either open up the airways or to remove or reposition any blockages in the throat, such as your tonsils or excess tissue.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to any underlying structural and medical factors, your weight, smoking habits, sleeping position, drinking habits and consumption of pain medications and/or sleep aids can all be contributing factors in symptoms of OSA. Your provider may recommend adopting certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthier diet and exercising more, in conjunction with prescribed treatment options.