Southwest Health Center, WisconsinSouthwest Health Center, Wisconsin
Southwest Health Center, 1400 East Side Road, Platteville, 53818 Wisconsin

Facts about Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Southwest Health Center's Dr. Kazkaz explains the symptoms, dangers and treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

 

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

  • OSA occurs when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep
  • The airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs
  • Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
  • It's a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can be easily identified and effectively treated

What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?

  • Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as big tonsils
  • Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open
  • The tongue falling back and closing off the airway

How many people have OSA?

  • More than 12 million people - it's as common as diabetes
  • Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated

If OSA is not treated, it may increase risk of:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease and heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
  • Decreased quality of life

Signs and symptoms of OSA

If you or someone you know has one or more of the following symptoms, it may be OSA.

  • Depression
  • Obesity
  • Large neck size (> 17" in men; 16" in women)
  • Crowded airway
  • Morning headache
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Frequent urination at night
    		•

  • Snoring, interrupted by pauses
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
  • Poor judgment
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • High blood pressure
    		•

    What should you do if you suspect you have OSA?

    • See your doctor specializing in sleep disorders
    • Have a sleep study done - it provides information about how you sleep and breathe that will help determine your diagnosis and treatment options

    What is the treatment for OSA?

    • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PAP."
    • Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.

    How does CPAP therapy work?

    CPAP treats OSA by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep.

    • Breathing becomes regular and snoring stops
    • Restful sleep is restored
    • Quality of life is improved
    • Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor and work accidents is reduced

    To find out if you should see a physician about your sleep habits, take our online sleep assessment.

    Call the Southwest Health Center Sleep Lab at (608) 342-5071 with any additional questions about OSA.