Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, also known as OSA, is a condition when a person suddenly stops to breathe for a short period of time during the sleep. This happens because the upper airway becomes blocked, diaphragm and lungs begin to work harder to pull the air in and a person wakes up with a gasp, feeling anxiety. Such periods, when person is unable to breathe, can happen several times through the night and result in not getting enough sleep. OSA can also cause disruptions in the heartbeat, which develops because of lack of oxygen.
This condition can also develop in children, although their condition is usually milder. There can be bedwetting during the night. Child may also have cold sweats at sleep and it may be very difficult to wake him/her up in the morning.
OSA is more predominant in people who suffer from obesity or whose neck is too large. In some cases large tonsils or a large tongue can also cause this condition. Other contributing factors include smoking and chronic high blood pressure.
Overall, OSA is very common in 2% of all female and 4% of male population. Moreover, almost 85% of all people with this condition remain undiagnosed having milder forms of OSA.
In most cases, you will need to undergo conservative or surgical treatment to normalize your night breathing.
Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed
Need Help?
Thank you!
We received your treatment application in the best Europe clinics. Our manager will contact you within the next 24 hours.
Your guarantee
+49 228 972 723 20
+49 228 972 723 62