What is Obstructive sleep apnea ?

Contributed by 

Dr Shariq Masoodi

Prof  of  Endocrinology SKIMS ,Sgr Kashmir 

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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial airway collapse during sleep. This collapse can last for several seconds or even minutes, leading to:

* Reduced or absent breathing (apnea)

* Shallow breathing (hypopnea)

* A drop in blood oxygen levels

These events disrupt sleep and can have a significant impact on your overall health.

#Symptoms:

* The most common symptoms include loud snoring, witnessed apneas (periods where breathing stops), daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and morning headaches.

#Causes:

* Risk factors include obesity, certain facial features, large neck circumference, and family history.

#Complications:

* Untreated OSA can lead to various complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even depression.

#Treatment:

* Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, and surgery.