Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
April 11th, 2011
40% of the local adult population, age between 30 to 60 suffer from a medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). Apnoea is Latin for cessation of breathing and hence OSA is a condition where there is repeated upper airway closure during sleep. A person with OSA is usually unaware of how many times choking and awakenings occur during sleep. OSA sufferers develop a higher risk of contracting chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes and diabetes. Even so, 80% of OSA suffers did not seek medical treatment due to low awareness.
One of the main symptoms that OSA patients encounter is cessation of breaths for more than 10 seconds. Other symptoms that are often faced include daytime sleepiness, poor concentrate in the day and frequent headaches.
Apart from surgery, OSA patients can also use Continuous Positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to aid better sleeping. CPAP machine works by forcing air into the airway, making sure that breathing is constant. The machine also monitors breathing patterns and adjustments can be made to the breathing.
Dr Mark mentioned that OSA is common in the Asian population due to a flatter face structure resulting in a narrower airway. Patients who smoke, drink or are obese have increased risk of OSA. In severe cases of OSA, cessation of breaths can clock up to 600 times, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Studies have shown that OSA is present in 70% of stroke patients. There will be about 30% increased risk in developing high blood pressure and heart attacks if medical treatment is not received over time.
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