An apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is markedly reduced. In simplified terms, an apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more. If you stop breathing completely or take less than 25% of a normal breath for a period that lasts 10 seconds or more, this is an apnea. This definition includes complete stoppage of airflow. Other definitions of apnea that may be used include at least a 4% drop in oxygen in the blood, a direct result of the reduction in the transfer of oxygen into the blood when breathing stops.
Sleep apnea is generally defined as the presence of more than 30 apneas during a six hour sleep. In severe cases, periods of not breathing may last for as long as 60 to 90 seconds and may recur up to 500 times a night.
Those who have OSA are often unaware of their condition and think they sleep well. The symptoms that usually cause these individuals to seek help are daytime drowsiness or complaints of snoring and breathing cessations observed by a bed partner. Other symptoms may include:
• Snoring with pauses in breathing (apnea)
• Excessive daytime drowsiness
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Restless sleep-Restless leg syndrome
• Problem with mental function
• Poor judgment/can’t focus
• Memory loss
• Quick to anger
• High blood pressure
• Nighttime chest pain
• Depression
• Problem with excess weight
• Large neck (>16.5″ around in men, >16″ around in women)
• Airway crowding
• Morning headaches
• Reduced libido, EJD,marital discord
• Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
• Day time sleepiness affecting work and Road traffic accidents
• Lack alertness
• Sleeping in separate bedroom
Score: If you suffer more than 10 of the above, you are in serious trouble. You need immediate treatment.
Dr Paulose is an ENT Consultant Plastic and Laser Surgeon with over 35 years of experience covering in Ear, Nose and Throat procedures, specializing in Laser Surgery and conventional medicine across India, U.K. and Middle East. He is currently engaged with the Jubilee Hospital, in Kerala, India.
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