By
Medical Care Review | Friday,
October 04,
2024
A person with sleep apnea cannot breathe adequately due to a constriction of the airway, causing them to snore loudly and take extended gaps between breaths.
Fremont, CA: Apnea is a medical term for delayed or interrupted breathing. It may affect people of any age, and the reason is determined by the kind of apnea.
Apnea frequently occurs when you sleep, so it is commonly referred to as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often managed with medication, overnight breathing support, and lifestyle modifications. Occasionally, surgery is required.
Untreated apnea can cause heart and brain issues because of a shortage of oxygen.
Apnea happens when the airways get clogged, or the brain fails to deliver a breathing signal. The type of apnea you have determines its etiology.
Obstructive Apnea
Obstructive apnea occurs when the airways are obstructed, limiting adequate breathing. Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are a common cause.
Central Apnea
Central apnea occurs when the part of the brain that controls breathing fails to operate correctly. This type of apnea is more frequent in young newborns and is caused by poor brain development. Abnormalities with the brain and nervous system can also cause this.
Mixed Apnea
This kind of apnea is a combination of obstructive and central apnea. It can happen while you're sleeping or awake.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has several causes. Common causes include too relaxed throat muscles or tongue, big tonsils or adenoids, obesity, abnormal brain impulses controlling throat muscles, and head and neck form.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person's airway narrows, causing them to snore loudly and take extended gaps between breaths.
If you hear someone snoring abruptly, stop. If you observe extended gaps in their breathing, check to see whether they are still breathing. If they're not, dial 911. Follow the emergency operator's directions to awaken the individual and help them breathe until paramedics come.
While persons with sleep apnea usually resume breathing independently, prolonged durations without oxygen may raise concern.
If you have severe apnea and previous therapies haven't worked, your doctor may propose surgery that involves the nose, throat, or tongue.
Individuals who are excessively overweight may require a tracheostomy to establish a throat hole. This incision, known as a stoma, is subsequently attached with a tube for breathing.
Slowed or halted breathing can cause rapid reductions in blood pressure and oxygen levels, leading to heart issues. To avoid this consequence, apnea should be detected and treated early.
