Bangkok: Every night, during the time we should be getting full rest, there may be a “silent danger” that is unknowingly threatening our health: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This condition is more than just a matter of “snoring”; it can lead to serious health problems. “Sure Before Sharing FACTSHEET” has interviewed experts to help us understand this condition thoroughly.
According to Thai News Agency, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, preventing air from passing easily into the lungs. This blockage can occur from the nose down to the larynx and can result from various causes, both structural and tissue-related.
Tissue-related causes include allergies causing swollen nasal mucosa, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and a large base of the tongue or long uvula that can block the throat when lying on the back. Structural issues like a crooked nasal bridge or nasal polyps, and genetic traits affecting facial or jaw bones, can also narrow the airway. Additionally, obesity and increasing age are significant risk factors, as fat accumulation and tissue sagging can lead to airway narrowing.
This condition can affect people of all ages, from young children to adults. In children, it is often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, while in adults, various factors like allergies, weight gain, or age-related sagging contribute to its occurrence. Important warning signs include unusual daytime sleepiness, snoring, and noticeable apnea, often observed by bedmates.
Sleep apnea significantly impacts the body as periodic oxygen deprivation during sleep affects the brain and body. Short-term effects include drowsiness, morning headaches, lack of concentration, and the risk of falling asleep while driving. Long-term complications can lead to severe conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, and arrhythmia.
Experts advise controlling weight, adjusting sleeping positions, and avoiding alcohol and smoking to manage symptoms. If these measures do not improve symptoms, seeking medical advice for diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent potential life-threatening conditions.