Thursday, October 19, 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

 YOUR PATIENT IS AT RISK for OSA - OBSERVE WHILE PATIENT ASLEEP.  

If stop bang is greater than or equal to 3 - patient AT RISK for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  

If stop bang is greater than or equal to 5 - patient AT HIGH RISK for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)


Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by episodes of a complete (apnea) or partial collapse (hypopnea) of the upper airway with an associated decrease in oxygen saturation or arousal from sleep. [1] This disturbance results in fragmented, nonrestorative sleep.

What causes OSA?

Anything that could narrow your airway such as obesity, large tonsils, or changes in your hormone levels can increase your risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
 Central sleep apnea happens when your brain does not send the signals needed to breathe.Mar 24, 2022

Can you fix sleep apnea?
In some cases, sleep apnea can resolve if you return to a healthy weight, but it can recur if you regain the weight. Exercise. Regular exercise can help ease the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea even without weight loss. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, most days of the week.Apr 6, 2023

What is the best position to sleep in with sleep apnea?
Snoring and sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea causes the airways to collapse during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing. It often goes hand-in-hand with snoring. Positioning yourself on your side or stomach can help the airways stay open to reduce snoring and alleviate mild apnea, Salas says.

5 Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
  1. Oral Appliances. Just as there are dental professionals who specialize in orthodontics or dental implants, there are also those who can help with sleep apnea. ...
  2. Oral Surgery. In some cases, genetics can be the cause of sleep apnea. ...
  3. Weight Loss. ...
  4. Positional Therapy. ...
  5. Inspire Therapy.