Adult Sleep Apnea

Welcome to our patient information page on adult sleep apnea. This resource aims to provide you with a basic understanding of this sleep disorder, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.

Have a question about getting a referral to Dr. Karamy for your sleep apnea?

Adult Sleep Apnea: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses, known as apneas, can last for a few seconds to minutes and may occur multiple times throughout the night.

See pediatric sleep apnea for information pertaining to your child.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively, leading to the partial or complete blockage of the airway.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): In this less common type, the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing during sleep.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

Loud and persistent snoring
Episodes of choking or gasping for breath during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability and mood changes
Restless sleep and frequent awakenings
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

It's important to note that not everyone with sleep apnea experiences loud snoring, and some individuals may not be aware of their breathing pauses during sleep.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing the condition.

Common causes and risk factors include:

Excess Weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea, as the extra tissue in the throat can obstruct the airway.
Age: Sleep apnea is more common in older adults.
Gender: Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women, although the risk for women increases if they are overweight or postmenopausal.
Family History: A family history of sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, contributing to sleep apnea.
Alcohol and Sedative Use: The use of alcohol and certain sedatives can relax the muscles in the throat, increasing the risk of airway obstruction during sleep.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as chronic nasal congestion, high blood pressure, heart disorders, and Type 2 diabetes are associated with a higher risk of sleep apnea.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is essential to seek medical evaluation and a proper diagnosis. A healthcare professional specializing in sleep medicine may conduct a sleep study, which can be done at a sleep center or with home-based testing. This study will monitor various parameters while you sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, brain activity, and heart rate.

Treatment options for sleep apnea may include:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy is a common treatment for OSA. It involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air, keeping the airway open during sleep.
Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): BiPAP is similar to CPAP but delivers different air pressures for inhaling and exhaling, which can be beneficial for some individuals.
Oral Appliances: Dental devices that reposition the jaw and tongue can help keep the airway open during sleep, particularly for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, and sleep position changes may help improve sleep apnea symptoms.
Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be considered to remove excess tissue in the throat or correct structural issues that contribute to sleep apnea.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Identifying signs of a potential emergency related to sleep apnea is critical. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Long Pauses in Breathing: Sudden pauses in breathing during sleep, choking, or gasping for air necessitate urgent medical evaluation.
Frequent Waking with Shortness of Breath: If you regularly wake up abruptly feeling short of breath or suffocated, seek immediate medical assessment.
Severe Daytime Fatigue Despite Treatment: Persistent extreme fatigue or sleepiness during the day, even after using prescribed sleep apnea treatments like a CPAP machine, requires urgent attention.
Heart Problems: If you have heart conditions or experience irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) associated with sleep apnea, seek medical evaluation.

These signs indicate potential emergency situations associated with sleep apnea. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical care.

At Niagara ENT, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for sleep apnea and related conditions. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your sleep apnea.

If you feel you have an issue with this consider a referral to Dr. Karamy.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this webpage is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and individualized treatment recommendations.

Niagara ENT & Facial Surgeon

Dr. Babak Karamy, MD, FRCSC