Definition:
Apnea is a medical condition characterized by the temporary suspension of breathing.
Subtypes of Apnea:
There are three main subtypes of apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open, leading to periodic pauses in breathing during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to transmit the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: As the name suggests, this subtype is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Apnea:
Common symptoms of apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of breathing cessation witnessed by others
- Waking up abruptly with a choking or gasping sensation
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Morning headache
Treatment:
Depending on the severity and cause of apnea, treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and quitting smoking
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy
- Oral appliances
- Surgery to correct structural abnormalities
- Medications, especially in cases of central sleep apnea