Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes repeated episodes of blocked breathing during the night. A person with sleep apnea will typically fall asleep snoring heavily. Snoring will then be interrupted by a period of no breathing followed by a gasp for air. People who have sleep apnea might not even be aware of their condition, but their spouses or partners sure are. The main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are daytime sleepiness and waking up still feeling tired. You can also have headaches and depression. While overweight men are most at risk, women and children can also experience obstructive sleep apnea. The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes and treatment at a sleep therapy clinic. Ask you doctor for a referral.
Recently Answered
- Q What type of doctor specializes in obstructive sleep apnea?
-
Several types of doctors specialize in sleep disorders. Begin with a visit to your family practitioner or internist. They may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (otolaryngologist) to make sure there are no blockages interferring with... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) more common in women after menopause?
-
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was once considered a male disease, but it is becoming much more common in women after menopause. This disorder can be severe with added health risks of heart disease and stroke. You should talk to your doctor about any... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) a serious health condition?
-
Dr. John Van der Werff, DentistryIt can lead to serious health problems like heart problems, hypertension, and death. If someone thinks they may have sleep apnea, symptoms may include feeling tired, snoring, or gasping to breath during sleep, or others have noticed these things,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
-
Obstructive sleep apnea can have different symptoms. The most common symptom is disruptive snoring. Your breath might be shallow, or it might stop entirely for ten seconds or more as you sleep. You might snore loudly, snort, or gasp while you... Full Answer
5 Answers
A
- Q Is obstructive sleep apnea a sleep disorder?
-
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder. It happens when the soft tissue in the back of your throat or upper airway becomes too relaxed and obstructs, or blocks, your airway. This can lead to breathing problems and interrupted sleep. If you... Full Answer
4 Answers
A
- Q How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyObstructive sleep apnea occurs when something is literally obstructing or blocking your airway while you sleep, but how do we know for sure? One way to check is to have someone check in on you when you sleep. Ask someone you live with to help or,... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Can obstructive sleep apnea be prevented?
-
There is no sure way to prevent obstructive sleep apnea. However, you may be able to lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight and not drinking too much alcohol or smoking. You should also treat any medical conditions with which sleep apnea... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do I manage my obstructive sleep apnea on a daily basis?
-
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you should follow your doctor's instructions on a daily basis. This may mean losing weight, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, or changing the position in which you sleep at night. If your doctor recommends... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What are the health complications associated with obstructive sleep apnea?
-
Dr. Phil Westbrook, Sleep MedicineResearch studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a variety of unpleasant health problems. These include high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, irregular heart rhythm, diabetes, and early and sudden... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
-
Sleep apnea means abnormal breathing during sleep; "apnea" means "without breathing" and refers to long pauses between breaths. It is a surprisingly common sleep disorder. Because apnea usually causes a slight awakening, having this disorder robs a... Full Answer
10 Answers
A
