Answer:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway is repeatedly blocked during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. These pauses in breathing, or apneas, last for more than 10 seconds and are followed by a startle and gasping for air. OSA is categorized by severity: mild (5-14 apneas per hour), moderate (15-30 apneas per hour), and severe (more than 30 apneas per hour).

Symptoms include loud snoring punctuated by gasping or choking sounds, unusual breathing patterns, waking up during the night, poor sleep quality, dry mouth upon awakening, daytime sleepiness, reduced concentration, and morning headaches. OSA can occur multiple times during sleep as airflow to the lungs decreases or stops, causing a drop in blood oxygen levels. With each apnea, the body reacts by increasing heart rate and blood pressure to compensate for the lack of oxygen. If this happens repeatedly, it can strain the heart and blood vessels.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to atrial fibrillation. This condition causes the two upper chambers of the heart (atria) to beat very rapidly, creating a quivering motion that promotes blood clot formation. If a blood clot is dislodged from the heart and travels to the brain, it can block smaller blood vessels, leading to brain damage. Prolonged loss of blood supply to brain tissue increases the risk of stroke.

Doctor Hang performs a nasal endoscopy on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Hang performs a nasal endoscopy on a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Risk factors for OSA are linked to age, gender, body weight, and certain anatomical features of the head and neck. Individuals over 50, those who are overweight or obese, heavy drinkers, smokers, people who use sedatives, those with high blood pressure, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or anatomical features such as a larger tongue and shorter lower jaw are at higher risk.

To diagnose OSA, doctors often recommend respiratory polygraphy and sleep studies. Common treatment methods include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which helps keep the airway open during sleep, reducing obstruction, improving sleep quality, and preventing complications; supplemental oxygen therapy; and medication to reduce nasal swelling.

Surgery is considered when patients have peripheral obstruction and don't respond to medical treatment. It helps widen the airway in cases of throat narrowing that causes airway obstruction and sleep apnea. Consult an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist or neurologist for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment to avoid dangerous complications, including stroke. In addition to medical treatments, maintaining a healthy weight, changing sleep positions (avoiding lying on your back), abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, and other lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms.

MSc. MD. Specialist II Tran Thi Thuy Hang

Head of ENT Department

ENT Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM