Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is the most common type of sleep apnea.  OSA occurs when there are repeated episodes of total or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. The diaphragm and chest muscles must work harder to open an obstructed airway in order to pull air into the lungs.  When this happens, it usually resumes with a snort, body jerk or loud gasp for air.  These episodes can interfere with a person, preventing them from experiencing sound sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

A person who is experiencing OSA is not always the first person to notice something is wrong.  A spouse or person observing a person sleeping is typically the one who first recognizes the condition.  The most common OSA symptoms include:

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Dry mouth or sore throat when waking up
• Morning headaches
• Night sweats
• Sexual dysfunction
• Restlessness during sleep

Obstructive sleep apnea in children is not as obvious.  These symptoms may include bedwetting, excessive sweating at night and grinding of teeth just to name a few.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risks

There are a number of factors that come into play that can increase the risk for obstructive sleep apnea.  These include:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Family history of heart conditions

Sleep Apnea Test

A physical examination can be performed to help diagnose OSA.  A sleep test may also be required which can help identify any sleep issues.  A sleep test will measure a number of body functions including:

• Air flow
• Blood oxygen levels
• Breathing patterns
• Eye movements
• Heart rate
• Muscle activity

Learn More about NGO Sleep Apnea Treatment

At Northeast Georgia ENT, we will properly test, diagnose and treat your sleeping disorder.  If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea or if you would like to learn more about other services we offer our patients, please contact us today.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.