Apnoea: Symptoms and Treatment

Apnoea is a medical condition characterized by temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. The primary impact of apnoea on health is the disruption of normal breathing patterns, leading to decreased oxygen levels in the body. This can result in fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and increased risk of developing other health issues. Proper management of apnoea is essential to maintain overall well-being and quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Apnoea

Apnea symptoms relate to issues with breathing during sleep. Individuals may experience certain signs that indicate this condition. These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, affecting the quality of sleep and overall well-being. Recognizing the general nature of these symptoms is crucial for early detection and appropriate management.

Common symptoms of apnoea include:

Loud snoring
Gasping for air during sleep
Pauses in breathing while asleep
Waking up abruptly with shortness of breath
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Fatigue
Insomnia

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Apnoea

Apnoea, a condition characterized by temporary cessation of breathing, can be caused by various factors. The main causes include issues with the brain's respiratory control center, obstructive sleep apnoea, central sleep apnoea, medications, and underlying health conditions such as obesity, heart failure, and neurological disorders. These factors can disrupt the normal breathing pattern leading to apnoea episodes. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is crucial in managing apnoea effectively.

Sleep apnoea
Central sleep apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea
Premature birth
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Neurological disorders
Medication side effects
Heart failure
Obesity

Types of Apnoea

Apnoea refers to a condition where a person experiences pauses in breathing while asleep. There are different types or forms of apnoea, each with its unique characteristics and causes. Understanding the various types of apnoea is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. By recognizing the specific type of apnoea a person has, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to address the underlying issues effectively.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA is a common type of apnea where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in interrupted breathing patterns during sleep.
Mixed Sleep Apnea: This type of apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea, where individuals experience both types of breathing interruptions during sleep.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a condition where individuals initially diagnosed with OSA later develop central sleep apnea, making treatment more challenging.
Positional Sleep Apnea: Positional sleep apnea is characterized by breathing pauses that occur predominantly when an individual is in a specific sleeping position, often on their back.

Risk Factors

Apnoea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, has several risk factors that can contribute to its development. These factors can include lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and anatomical features that may increase the likelihood of experiencing apnoea episodes during sleep. Identifying and addressing these risk factors is crucial for managing and treating apnoea effectively.

Risk factors for apnoea:

Obesity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Family history of sleep apnoea
Older age
Male gender
Nasal congestion
Certain medications
Chronic nasal congestion
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Apnoea

Apnoea is typically diagnosed by healthcare providers through various tests and evaluations to understand the underlying causes of breathing disruptions. These diagnostic processes involve assessing symptoms, medical history, and conducting physical exams.

Doctors may also utilize specific tests to measure breathing patterns and oxygen levels during sleep. The diagnosis aims to determine the type and severity of apnoea a patient may have, guiding appropriate treatment options for better respiratory health.

Polysomnography
Home sleep apnea testing
Pulse oximetry
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration
Epworth Sleepiness Scale

Treatment for Apnoea

Treatment options for apnoea may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment that involves wearing a mask during sleep. Dental devices and surgery are other options for some individuals. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP uses a machine to deliver a constant air pressure through a mask worn over the nose or mouth during sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing apnoea episodes.
Oral Appliance Therapy: Custommade oral appliances can help keep the airway open by positioning the jaw forward, reducing the risk of apnoea during sleep.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on the side instead of the back can help improve apnoea symptoms by reducing airway obstruction.
Surgery: Surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) or maxillomandibular advancement may be considered for severe cases of apnoea that do not respond to other treatments.
Positional Therapy: Using devices or techniques to encourage sleeping in positions that prevent the airway from collapsing, such as wearing a special shirt or using positional pillows.