Sleep Apnea

Since symptoms occur during sleep, it is difficult for people to detect their own problem.

Following are a few of the symptoms:

• Sleeping during the day due to troubled breathing at night
• Gasping and choking during sleep
• Dry mouth and morning headaches
• Snoring loudly
• Getting more irritable and moody
• Drowsiness through the day

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Sleep apnea is caused due to an underlying medical condition like:

• Obesity especially around the neck and chest region
• Large tonsils
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Kidney failure or heart failure
• Genetic syndromes
• Premature birth

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Your doctor makes an evaluation on the basis of your sleep history given by someone who shares your bed and a detailed physical examination. Overnight monitoring of breathing and other body functions at a sleep centre may help with a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea. Nocturnal polysomnography test (sleep studies) is performed to monitor your breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels and heart, lung and brain activity while you sleep. Home sleep tests may be suggested by your doctor.

For minor cases, lifestyle changes like losing body weight or quitting smoking are recommended. In severe cases, a mask is given to maintain a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Oral appliances to hold the tongue in place are used. Surgical removal of tissues at the back of the throat or jaw repositioning is recommended to prevent blocking of the airway.

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