obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
It is episodes of partial or complete closure of the upper airway that occur during sleep and lead to breathing total cessation called apnea or partial cessation called hypopnea for > 10 sec.
The prevalence of OSA is about 10% in adults; the condition is under-recognized and often undiagnosed even in symptomatic patients.
Etiology:
1. Anatomic risk factors : common among obese people as:
• An oropharynx “crowded” by a short or retracted mandible
• A prominent tongue base or tonsils
• A rounded head shape and a short neck
• A neck circumference > 43 cm (> 17 in)
• Thick lateral pharyngeal walls
• Lateral parapharyngeal fat pads
2. postmenopausal state
3. obesity
4. aging
5. alcohol or sedative use.
6. A family history of OSA .
Symptoms and Signs
1- Choking, gasping, or snorting during sleep : Although loud disruptive snoring is reported by 85% of OSA patients, most people who snore do not have OSA
2- Restless and un-refreshing sleep
3- Difficulty staying asleep
4- Some patients may awake with a sore throat or a dry mouth.
5- A morning headache is a common symptom.
6- When awake, patients may experience hypersomnolence, fatigue, and impaired concentration.