Obstructive sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a serious disorder which causes breathing to repeatedly start and stop during sleep. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax causing the airway to narrow or close as you breathe in. This causes a buildup of carbon dioxide. In response to this there is a short period of awakening which causes the muscles to regain their tone and breathing is restored. These distortions occur upto 30 times each hour, and prevent the ability to have a deep restful sleep.

RISK FACTORS:

Excess weight.

Narrowed airway.

High blood pressure.

Chronic nasal congestion.

Smoking.

Diabetes.

Family history of sleep apnoea.

Asthma.

SYMPTOMS:

Excessive daytime sleepiness.

Loud snoring.

Morning headache.

Abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking.

Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.

Difficulty concentrating during the day.

Depression or irritability.

High blood pressure.

Night time sweating.

Decreased libido.

COMPLICATIONS:

Daytime fatigue and sleepiness.

Cardiovascular problems.

Eye problems

INVESTIGATIONS:

Fiberoptic laryngoscopy – to evaluate any anatomic blockage in nose or throat.

Polysomnography – to look for other causes of apnoea.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lose weight if you're overweight.

Exercise regularly.

Don't drink alcohol several hours before bedtime.

Quit smoking.

Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications.

Don't sleep on your back.

Avoid anti-anxiety drugs or sleeping pills.

THERAPIES

Positive airway pressure.

SURGERIES

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Maxillomandibular advancement.

Polypectomy or Septoplasty.

Tonsillectomy and/or Adenoidectomy