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Obstructive Sleep Apnea Fact Sheet

Symptoms

  • Loud snoring

  • Episodes of breathing cessation observed by others

  • Abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking

  • Morning headaches

  • Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability and mood changes

  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Systemic Effects

  • Hypertension: Repeated drops in blood oxygen levels increase blood pressure

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance

  • GERD: Frequent arousals and negative pressure changes in the chest contribute to acid reflux

  • Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk due to the strain on the heart 

  • Stroke: Higher incidence linked to untreated OSA

  • Depression and Anxiety: Increased prevalence due to chronic sleep disruption

  • Decreased Quality of Life: Due to persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances

Risk Factors

  • Obesity: Excess weight contributes to airway obstruction

  • Neck Circumference: Larger necks may have narrower airways

  • Aging: Risk increases with age

  • Gender: More common in males, although risk increases for women after menopause

  • Alcohol and Sedative Use: These relax the muscles in the throat

  • Smoking: Increases inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway

  • Nasal Congestion: Difficulty breathing through the nose, whether from an anatomical issue or allergies, can contribute to OSA

References:

1. Peppard, P. E., Young, T., Palta, M., & Skatrud, J. (2000). Prospective study of the association between sleep-disordered breathing and hypertension. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(19), 1378-1384.

2. Foster, G. D., Sanders, M. H., Millman, R., Zammit, G., Borradaile, K. E., Newman, A. B., ... & Pi-Sunyer, F. X. (2009). Obstructive sleep apnea among obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 32(6), 1017-1019.

3. Greenberg, D. L. (2004). Obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a common association. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 38(8), 676-678.

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