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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (Snoring)

 

 

 

What is OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnoea)?

 

 

 

Apnoea and Hypopnoea

 

There are two types of breathing interruption characteristic of OSA:

l apnoea-where the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse   

   sufficiently to cause a total blockage of the airway; it’s called an apnoea when the

   airflow is blocked for 10 seconds or more


l hypopnoea-a partial blockage of the airway that results in an airflow reduction of 

   greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more

 

 

 

Symptoms of OSA

 

 

 

Signs of OSA in someone sleeping can include:

l loud snoring
l noisy and laboured breathing
l repeated short periods where breathing is interrupted by gasping or              

   snorting

 

 

Causes of OSA

 

 

In people with OSA the airway has narrowed as the result of a number of factors, including:

l being overweight
l being 40 years of age or more
l having a large neck
l taking medicines with a sedative effect
l having an unusual inner neck structure
l alcohol/smoking
l the monopause (women)
l having a family history of OSA

 

l nasal congestion

 

 

Treating OSA

 

 

Treatment optons for OSA include:

l lifestyle changes- such as losing excess weight, cutting down on alcohol and sleeping on your side
l using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device- these devices prevent your airway closing while you sleep by delivering a continuous supply of compressed air through a mask

 

l wearing a mandibular advancement device (MAD)- this gum shield-like device fits around your teeth, holding your jaw and tongue forward to increase the space at the back of your throat while you sleep

 

 

 

 

Complications of OSA

 

If OSA is left untreated, it can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing problems such as poor performance at work and school, and placing a strain on your relationship with others.

 

 

Poor controlled OSA may also increase your risk of:

 

 

l developing high blood pressure (hypertension)

 

l having a stroke or heart attack
l developing an irregular heartbeat- such as atrial fibrillation
l developing type 2 diabetes

 

Research has shown someone who has been deprived of sleep because of OSA may be up to 12 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.

 

Polysomnography

 

Polysomnography is essential test before proceeding OSA treatment. Polysomnography test cost varies from $200 to $2000, depending where you have it. Therefore, it is important to find a proper healthcare provider, which provides you with accurate quality of test result with minimum cost. 

 

Once you obtained your sleep apnoea test data and doctor’s diagnosis, you can buy CPAP machine of your desired brand, type, and price on the internet freely.

 

 

 

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