How do I know if I have OSA?
OSA can occur in men, women and children
of all ages and sizes. Most people who have OSA do not realize they suffer from the condition. Often, it is someone else who
witnesses the first signs of OSA.If you or someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms,
it may be OSA. Consider all of the following that apply, and share this list with your doctor.
Key signs and symptoms
include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud or disruptive snoring
• Gasping or choking during
sleep
Other common symptoms include:
• Grogginess and morning headaches
• Frequent urination
at night
• Depression and irritability
• Obesity
• Large neck or crowding of the upper airway
• Post-menopausal women
What happens if OSA is not treated?
Possible increased risk for:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and heart attack
• Stroke
• Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
• Decreased quality of life
What
is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The most common treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure), pronounced “see-PAP.” Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be
effective in certain individuals. Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol,
sedatives, and hypnotics.
PAP therapy will relieve the airway obstruction that occurs while
you sleep. PAP treatment can dramatically improve the life of someone diagnosed with sleep apnea. When you wear the system
every night during sleep and optimum therapy is achieved, you may experience the following benefits of treatment:
•
Increased energy level and attentiveness during the day
• Fewer morning headaches
• Reduced irritability
• Improved memory
• Less waking during the night to go to the bathroom
• Increased ability to exercise
• Increased effectiveness at home or at work
• Improved overall quality of life
You
will need to use your treatment every night while you sleep. If you do not, you will return to your previous level of snoring,
sleep apnea, and daytime tiredness.
Untreated sleep apnea also has been shown to co-exist
with a number of other medical conditions, such as:
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
•
Heart attack
• Irregular heart beat
• Stroke
Sleep apnea also may contribute
to driving and work-related accidents.
What should you do if you suspect you may
have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
See your doctor. Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders is recommended.
Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information
will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
