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Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do you…

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snore very loudly at night ?

Feel very sleepy in the day ?

Have witnessed episodes of choking and air hunger while sleeping?

You might have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) if you experience any of the above.

What is Obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder that is often underdiagnosed.

Patients with OSA often have unrefreshed sleep due to snoring and other airway disturbances. Very often, the patient’s airway is blocked due to air pressure differences, reduced breathing during sleep.

Patients might experience daytime sleepiness and face with problems concentrating during the day.

If left untreated for prolonged periods of time, OSA can lead to severe complications later in life.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Who should be concerned?

Age
The chance of getting Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) increases with age

Gender
It has been shown that males are more likely than females to have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obesity
Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is higher with weight gain.

Upper airway factors
upper airway obstruction like enlarged tonsils and adenoids might contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Do you have Obstructive sleep apnea?

You can find out if you have OSA through

History and examination
Sleep studies

In-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) [1]
- many testing parameters
- done during the inpatient stay and is monitored in the hospital
- high personal and financial expenditures

Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT). [1 & 2]
- has 4 different classes.
- can be highly accurate (as accurate as PSG)
- can be done in the comfort of your own home so you have a more natural environment
- faster and more efficient
- less resource intensive

What can you do?

Your Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated through different options that reduce sleep disturbances and its effects. Effective treatment will ensure that your airway remains open during sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea treatments should be suitable for prolonged use and be tailored to you.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Device with a mask connected to a tube and blower to create positive pressure to keep the upper airway open during sleep. CPAP can be adjusted to adapt to changes in your sleep breathing pattern.

Weight loss
Weight loss through diet changes and exercise might benefit patients with weight management issues.

Avoid alcohol
Patients should avoid alcohol as it can worsen sleepiness and Obstructive sleep apnea.

Dental devices
Patients might find dental snoring devices useful, but there are lacking evidence for it.

Surgical treatment
Surgery is an alternative for patients who do not wish to undergo nonsurgical treatments such as CPAP or dental devices. Surgery can complement other nonsurgical treatments as well.

Why should you care?

Patients with Obstructive sleep apnea might be at risk of many health issues:

1.) Daily living activities
OSA patients experience daytime sleepiness and a lack of concentration, which may affect daily life activities and increase the risk of errors, especially in the patient who deal with machinery.

2.) Accidents
Road traffic accidents are more common in patients with OSA than without. Patients who operate dangerous equipment are also at risk of serious accidents.

3.) Cardiovascular morbidity
Studies have shown that patients with moderate or severe untreated OSA are more prone to many heart problems such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attack. [1]

4.) Stroke [1]

5.) Diabetes
Patients with OSA are more prone to diabetes and diabetes-related complications. OSA may also increase the risk of obesity [2]

6.) Sexual Health- Studies have shown that OSA is linked to sexual dysfunction in both men and women

7.) Increase in mortality [1]

If you are interested in this service and wish to find out more, please call or visit our clinic or drop us an email at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg

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Written by:

Dr. Benjamin Loh

1 Nilius, G., Domanski, U., Schroeder, M., Franke, K. J., Hogrebe, A., Margarit, L., … D’Ortho, M. P. (2017). A randomized controlled trial to validate the alice PDX ambulatory device. Nature and Science of Sleep, 9, 171–180. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S133789

2 Grover, S., Bajwa, I., Butchko, A.R., Jasko, J., & Vasko, R. (2009). Home monitoring of sleep disorders: A comparison of traditional laboratory-based polysomnography and the Alice PDx portable monitoring device, and the usability of the Alice PDx. [Brochure]. Murrysville, PA: Philips Respironics.

Do you…

What is Obstructive sleep apnea?

Who should be concerned?

Do you have Obstructive sleep apnea?

Diagnosing Obstructive sleep apnea

What can you do?

Why should you care?

What are the Risk Factors of Obstructive sleep apnea ?

List of other Services

Reference:

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