What is the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder that occurs during sleep and can be life threatening. Apnea is simply a pause in breathing and obstruction which means that there is a blockage to the airflow. OSA is the most common breathing problem during sleep, when the person stops breathing while she/he is asleep.

The upper airways (larynx) are blocked, because the tongue and throat muscles relax during sleep and, consequently, causing respiratory arrest (apnea) or a low breathing (hypopnea) and sleep of little repair . Lack of sleep leads to chronic sleepiness during the day. Most people who suffer from sleep apnea do not know it.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

Some complications are present in the first place:

• Snoring with pauses in breathing.
• Excessive sleepiness during the day. 
• Choking with arousal during sleep. 
• Insomnia. 
• Non-restorative sleep. 
• Issues of intellectual capacity. 
• Difficulty concentrating. 
• Loss of memory. 
• Irritability. 
• Depression. 
• Overweight. 
• Neck broad H: 17 "F: 16". 
• Headaches in the morning. 
• Libido decrease. 
• Going frequently to the bathroom at night. 
• Gastroesophageal reflux 
• Nocturnal angina.

The long-term consequences are also different:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction),
• stroke (stroke)
• disease in the arteries of the heart (coronary)
• circulation electrical problem at the heart (atrial fibrillation)
• Problem of blood flow at the heart (heart failure)

Which exam should be done to confirm obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Confirming a diagnosis of OSA based initially on the polysomnogram.

Is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatable?

The good news is that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is treatable and treatment is the most recognize.