What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the leading treatment for patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CPAP provides a constant airflow that holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This eliminates sleep apnea events and allows the patient to get restful sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a patient’s airway passage closes during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing. Symptoms may include loud snoring, followed by silent periods when breathing has stopped. These episodes where breathing ceases are called “apneas”. During apnea episodes, blood oxygen levels drop dramatically. The body responds to this lack of oxygen by arousing, or waking from sleep.
Symptoms include:
- Excessively loud snoring
- Gasping and choking for breath
- Frequent awakening during the night
- Abnormal daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Headaches
- Limited attention
- Memory loss
- Click here to see a video of an actual sleep apnea attack.
Untreated Sleep Apnea is potentially fatal and frequently results in serious health problems:
- Heart Attacks
- Strokes
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious, potentially life-altering and life-threatening condition that is easily identified and effectively treated. If you or a loved one suspects you have it, you should be tested as soon as possible.
Click here to take personal Sleep Test Questionnaire. This is a simple test that evaluates you for the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. You can fill it out and take it with you to your next physician visit.