Sleep Apnea Symptom in Adults

A number of people are suffering from sleep apnea. But they may not be able to remember that during their sleep, they had experienced a sleep apnea symptom like periodically stopping their breathing, or waking up gasping for air. These people suffering from sleep apnea may not be aware that they are suffering from the condition. If left untreated, it can be dangerous. But what’s encouraging is that it can be treated.

There are three kinds of sleep apnea. These are the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of apnea. It is typically caused by a breathing obstruction that prevents the flow of air into the nose and mouth. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a rare form of sleep apnea. It happens when there is a delay in the brain signal that orders the body to breathe. This central nervous system abnormality can be brought about by disease. It can also be caused by injury that involves the brainstem, like stroke, a brain tumor, a chronic respiratory disease or a viral brain infection. Mixed sleep apnea refers to the combination of the two other forms of sleep apnea, namely obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptom and Signs

The most common sleep apnea symptom is loud snoring. Most of the population snore. But not all people who snore have sleep apnea. Another common sleep apnea symptom is excessive daytime sleepiness, wherein you fall asleep when you should not, under normal circumstances. Examples of this sleep apnea symptom is falling asleep while talking, eating or driving.

The following are the different signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Frequent stopping of breathing (apnea) when sleeping
• Nighttime choking spells, gasping, sweating, and chest pain
• Suddenly waking up to start breathing again
• Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night
• Restless tossing and turning during sleep
• Feeling uncomfortable when waking up in the morning
• Headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat after waking up in the morning
• Swelling of the legs in obese adults
• Getting up during the night to urinate (nocturia)

Risk Factors

The risk factors for sleep apnea include:

• Irregular sleep hours
• Snoring, which can cause the lengthening of the soft palate to lengthen, which in turn can impede the airway
• Nasal congestion, nasal blockages, and nasal irritants
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Having a family history of sleep apnea, which could be a result of anatomic abnormalities that run in the family
• Other disorders and syndromes like hypothyroidism, acromegaly, amyloidosis, vocal cord paralysis, post-polio syndrome, neuromuscular disorders, Marfan's syndrome, and Down Syndrome
• Other physical conditions like immune system abnormalities, severe heartburn or acid reflux and high blood pressure.

Treatment

When treated, sleep apnea responds suitably. To be able to determine the best type of treatment for your sleep apnea, your sleep apnea attributes should first be determined. Treatments can include behavioral therapy for sleep apnea (self-help), or physical or mechanical treatment, which includes surgery.

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