Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recurrent partial or complete upper-airway collapse during sleep, causing apnea/hypopnea, intermittent hypoxemia, and sleep fragmentation. Clinical: loud snoring, witnessed apneas, morning headache, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular risk (hypertension/arrhythmia). Diagnosis: polysomnography. Treatment: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, positional therapy, oral appliance; upper-airway surgery in selected cases.

Common Symptoms

Loud snoring; witnessed apneas; daytime sleepiness; morning headache; obesity; hypertension

Causes and Pathogenesis

Anatomic upper-airway narrowing + sleep-related hypotonia causes recurrent collapse, hypoxemia, and arousal.

Treatment

CPAP; weight loss; oral appliance; positional therapy; upper-airway surgery in selected cases

Preventive Measures

Weight control; avoid alcohol/sedatives; sleep on side; treat nasal obstruction.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.