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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

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Alternate Names : Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea Syndrome


Definition

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by episodes where a person's breathing stops while sleeping. See also sleep disorders.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

 
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

In normal conditions, the muscles of the upper part of the throat keep this passage open to allow air to flow into the lungs. These muscles usually relax during sleep, but the passage remains open enough to permit the flow of air. Some individuals have a narrower passage, and during sleep, relaxation of these muscles causes the passage to close, and air cannot get into the lungs. Loud snoring and labored breathing occur. When complete blockage of the airway occurs, air cannot reach the lungs.

For reasons that are still unclear, in deep sleep, breathing can stop for a period of time (often more than 10 seconds). These periods of lack of breathing, or apneas, are followed by sudden attempts to breathe. These attempts are accompanied by a change to a lighter stage of sleep. The result is fragmented sleep that is not restful, leading to excessive daytime drowsiness.

Older obese men seem to be at higher risk, though as many as 40% of people with obstructive sleep apnea are not obese. Nasal obstruction, a large tongue, a narrow airway and certain shapes of the palate and jaw seem also increase the risk. A large neck or collar size is strongly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Ingestion of alcohol or sedatives before sleep may predispose to episodes of apnea.

The classic picture of obstructive sleep apnea includes episodes of heavy snoring that begin soon after falling asleep. The snoring proceeds at a regular pace for a period of time, often becoming louder, but is then interrupted by a long silent period during which no breathing is taking place (apnea). The apnea is then interrupted by a loud snort and gasp and the snoring returns to its regular pace. This behavior recurs frequently throughout the night.

During the apneas, the oxygen level in the blood falls. Persistent low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) may cause many of the daytime symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, pulmonary hypertension may develop leading to right sided heart failure (cor pulmonale).



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Definition
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Signs
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Prevention
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis & Tests
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Prognosis
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Complications
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Support Groups
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Arrhythmias
Cor Pulmonale
Hypertension
Right-Sided Heart Failure
Sleep Disorders

Tests & Exams

CO2
ECG
Polysomnogram

Surgery & Procedures

Adenoid Removal
Tonsillectomy
Tracheostomy

Other Topics

Breathing Difficulties - First Aid
Confusion
Consciousness - Decreased
Drowsiness
High Blood Pressure
Nasal CPAP
Obesity
Skin Discoloration - Bluish
Snoring
Swelling

Review Date : 10/10/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/6/2001).

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 09 Jul, 2008