Question

What are the qualifiers for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea? What metabolic changes occurs with sleep-related hypoventilation?

Answer 1

Obstructive sleep apnea is referred hypopnea which is a sleep disorder that involves cessation or significant decrease in airflow in the presence of breathing effort.

It is the most common type of sleep-disorder characterized by periodic episodes of upper airway collapse during the sleep.

Signs & symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea:

Following are the major symptoms:

·         Snoring, usually loud which is bothersome to others

·         Witnessed apneas, which often interrupt the snoring and end with a snort

·         Gasping and choking sensations that arouse the patient from sleep

·         Nocturia in some cases is generalized

·         Insomnia which results in restless sleep

Qualifiers for obstructive sleep apnea/hypopne, as per research:

The following are the major factors:

·         Gender and obesity factor, as well as genetic, anatomic, and hormonal factors play an important role

·         Obesity is another but main risk factor, as the increase in body mass index, visceral fat, and neck circumference may worsen the condition of obstructive sleep apnea

·         At the same time hormonal status play an important role as reports say that prevalence of the disease is higher in postmenopausal patients, in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as in males.

·         Furthermore evidence state that, as the individuals grow older, there is a decrease in muscle tonus, which results in reduction in the dimensions of the upper airway lumen. Accompanied by posterior positioning of the tongue resulting in narrowing of the upper airway lumen.

·         Similarly decreased ventilatory drive has been detected in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome & hypercapnia.

Along with these above mentioned qualifies there are some metabolic changes in obstructive sleep apnea as described:

Abdominal obesity, hypertension related increase in triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol and increased blood glucose are more common metabolic changes

The management of obstructive sleep apnea:

As per the recent interventions the medications are generally not a part of the primary treatment recommendations for obstructive sleep apnea, it should be accomplished with surgery.

But the preferred medications are central nervous system stimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil

Preferred minor Surgery as per recommendations:

§ Tracheostomy

§ Craniofacial reconstruction with advancement of tongue or maxillomandibular bones

At the last I want to state that the problems and other associated risk factors are very common but may be fatal if avoided, hence there is need of management of the disorder under the supervision of specialist of healthcare.