What is apnea?

Apnea is a latin term meaning no breath. Medically, it refers to any condition in which breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer. It restricts oxygen intake and causes blood pressure to rise, posing serious health threats.

What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

The effects of obstructive sleep apnea can include both short-term and long-term problems affecting physical and psychological health. They include:

• Sleep deprivation
• Hyperactivity (in children)
• Personality changes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiac and respiratory problems

If sleep apnea continues, it can interfere with job performance and personal relationships.

What can be done about obstructive sleep apnea?

Certain treatments have proven effective in treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea from re-occurring. They include:

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)- For this treatment, the patient wears a mask that gently fits over the nose during sleep. A blower pushes air through the mask and into the airway allowing the airway to stay open.

Weight reduction- Reducing weight will relieve pressure on abdominal muscles, making breathing easier.

Medication- Certain medicines can spur the needed muscle response and improve breathing.

Avoid alcohol and other sedatives- Reducing alcohol intake and other agents that act as sedatives have reduced the incidence of apnea in some people.

Surgery- Surgical procedures are now convenient and effective for the treatment of snoring and moderate sleep apnea.