Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

• Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by complete cessation of upper airway airflow during sleep, resulting in repetitive episodes of desaturations and arousal.
• Apnea means stopping breathing.
• Hypopnea means shallow breathing.

Pathophysiology

• Sleep onset triggers a cascade of events, including loss of neuromuscular compensation and decreased pharyngeal muscle activity.
• This leads to airway collapse.
• The collapse results in apnea and hypoxia (low blood oxygen) and hypercapnia (high blood carbon dioxide).
• This triggers arousal from sleep and increased ventilatory effort.

Clinical Manifestations

• Snoring.
• Waking wtih dry mouth.
• Waking with chest pain.
• Changes in mood.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Morning headaches.

Risk Factors

• Male gender.
• Weight (thick neck).
• Medical conditions.
• Family history of sleep apnea.
• Smoking.
• Craniofacial and upper airway abnormalities.
• Chronic nasal congestion.
• High blood pressure.

Diagnostic Screening

• Frequency of loud snoring (yes/no).
• Frequent tiredness/fatigue during the day (yes/no).
• Observed breathing cessation or choking during sleep by others (yes/no).
• Personal or family history of high blood pressure.
• BMI over 25 (yes/no).
• Aged over 50 (yes/no).
• Neck circumference greater than 17" in males, or 16" in females (yes/no).
• Current gender, male or female (yes/no).

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)

• Measures heart rate and rhythm.
• Measures blood pressure.
• Measures blood oxygen saturation (SPO2).
• Measures brain activity.
• Measures chest movements.

Non-Pharmacological Therapy

• Avoid alcohol
• Smoking cessation
• Avoid sleeping in the supine (lying on back) position.

Collaborative Actions

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
• BIPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.

Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Concentration and memory problems.
• Depression.
• Heart failure.

Surgical Interventions

• Tonsillectomy.
• Adenoidectomy.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Other

• Jaw surgery.
• Treatment for allergies (eg. nasal).
• Circular breathing techniques.
• Weight loss.
• CPAP therapy.

This quiz explores the disorder of sleep apnea, including its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and risk factors. Test your knowledge on the various aspects of this condition and its impact on health. Prepare to dive into the complexities of breathing interruptions during sleep.