OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
UNDERSTANDING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA, SNORING, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)?
Apnea means stoppage or cessation of breathing that occurs during sleep. Typically cessation of breathing for two consecutive breaths or 10 seconds is considered significant from sleep perspective.
In children more than one episode of sleep apnea per hour and in adults more than 5 episodes of obstructive sleep apnea per hour are considered significant.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF OSA?
Typically the first sign of OSA is snoring. If you or your partner notices that you stop breathing during sleep or appear to be gasping or choking during sleep and wake up with a gasp, then most likely you have OSA. There may be arousals from sleep as well and you will not feel well rested and perhaps have day time sleepiness or early morning headaches. Children with OSA may suffer from ADHD.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
In general, there are 5 treatment approaches to Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. At Texas Sinus, Allergy, Snoring & Sleep Institute, we educate our patients and develop a personalized treatment plan to help our patients breathe, smell, and taste life again.