By Adam Alpers

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by episodes of breathing stoppage ("pauses") during sleep. The word apnea ("Greek") means no breathing. It is a common disorder in men, women and children. It is clinically defined as an interval of no breathing, lasting for more than 10 seconds between normal breaths. In children, the interval is measured as 2.5 missed breaths.

Usually Under Diagnosed, Leading to Significant Complications

It is usually undiagnosed, but at the same time it may lead to serious consequences and complications. The American Sleep Apnea Association ASAA estimates that, at least, 10 million Americans suffer from this disorder, without any knowledge that they have such a thing. It may be associated with hypopnea which means shallow breathing or reduced airflow by 5 0% more than 10 seconds.

There are 3 types of sleep apnea. Obstructive apnea is the most common type, in which the smooth muscles in the throat relax, leading to collapse of the upper airway wall and obstruction of the air passage.

The second type is called central apnea, in which the respiratory center in the brain is impaired, leading to abnormal breathing. A normally functioning respiratory center reacts to increased Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, by stimulating breathing to wash out CO2 and re-oxygenate the blood. In this type of sleep apnea, the function is impaired and CO2 levels rise without stimulation of the respiratory center. Its common causes are sedative hypnotic drugs, heart diseases and some Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases.

The third type is a combined apnea, a mixed central and obstructive type. A sleep apnea occurring in episodes with a rate more than 5 times per hour is a clinically significant sleep apnea.

Patients may not be aware, that they are waking up during an episode. Actually most patients doesn't remember being awakened. Sleep apnea may remain undiagnosed for many years. The people witnessing the sleeping patient are the first to notice the sleeping disorder; otherwise, Sleep apnea may be diagnosed according to its sequela or effects on the patient's health.

Two Important Risk Factors

There are several factors increasing the risk of sleep apnea, two of the most common include:

1. The male incidence which is 3 times more than females, and the incidence increases by age.

2. Excess weight also increases the risk, because the fat deposits around the upper air way can cause obstructed breathing.

It can be revealed by the neck circumference, whether you have a high risk for sleep apnea, or not. Tonsillar, or adenoid hypertrophy, causes narrowing of the throat leading to obstructive apnea, as well.

It is not uncommon for a Hypertensive patient to suffer from sleep apnea. Smoking, alcohol, sedative drugs and CNS depressants are major risk factors. In fact, a family history of sleep apnea disorder in other members means high risk for the patient to suffer from the same disorder. Also, patients with heart disease, brain tumors or stroke are known to develop central sleep apnea.

A patient should suspect having sleep apnea if he suffers from insomnia with daytime fatigue, headache and sleepiness (hypersomnia), loud snoring (more in obstructive type), observation of recurrent episodes of cessation of breathing, repeated awakening with shortened breath (more in central type) and dry mouth and throat. If you have these symptoms, you should see your health care provider for medical advice.

Physicians require some diagnostic tests, upon suggesting the disorder. Nocturnal polysomnography is a good overnight sleep test which records the breathing pauses lasting more than 10 seconds. The pauses are observed by cessation of the rib cage movement and airflow through the nose and mouth, and associated with drop of oxygen saturation and physical attempts to breathe or arousal.

The apnea-hypopnea index is the measure showing the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. There are other tests, such as oximetry and portable cardio respiratory testing (a tool for home testing) that may be used to assess changes in oxygen saturation and cardio respiratory rates, rhythms and functions.

It is good to diagnose sleep apnea disorder before it advances to complications. Upon discovery, a sleep apnea patient should be properly treated, avoiding complications such as daytime fatigue and cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension and heart failure. On some occasions, the patient may suffer a stroke, due to body hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

Get Treatment Now

Sleep apnea treatment depends on its type. In obstructive sleep apnea in moderate to severe cases, a continuous positive airway pressure CPAP is used. This therapy is one that uses a machine that delivers air pressure through masks while the patient sleeps. This pressure is enough to keep the airway patent. A humidifier may be added, in order too avoid dry mouth.

Another method is called the adjustable airway pressure devices. It is more comfortable and less problematic to the patient, as the pressure changes during sleep. For example, a lower pressure during exhalation and more pressure during inhalation are much better than a steady, maintained pressure. This is called bi-level positive airway pressure treatment (BiPAP).

Alternatively, you can use an oral appliance designed to keep the throat opened, thus maintaining a patent airway. Additionally, the airway can be kept patent by surgery to remove excess soft tissue narrowing the lumen by UPPP or Uvulopalatopharyngeoplasty, Maxillomandibular advancement or, in very severe cases, Tracheotomy. Cases of central sleep apnea should be treated by proper diagnosis and treatment of the cause, with the use of supportive treatment in the form of oxygen supplies, CPAP and BiPAP.

Along with these treatments, the patient should make some lifestyle modifications, as well. Obese patients should start reducing excess weight. Patients should stop smoking, consuming alcohol and using sedatives and tranquilizers. Patients are also advised to sleep on their side or abdomen, instead of lying on their back. Certain nasal medications may assist in helping to keep the nasal passage patent. The treatment, lifestyle modifications and period of therapy need to be decided by the health care provider.

Dr. Adam L. Alpers invites you to access and gain knowledge by visiting the medical information portal http://www.promptprimarycare.com This portal was developed to give patients and others quick and easy access to some of the most needed information in the hearts and minds of our patients. Almost any medical question you may have can be answered through the portal. There are free downloads of some medical topics for you to listen to. To learn more, check it out today: http://www.promptprimarycare.com

Copyright - Adam L. Alpers. All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Alpers