Sleep apnea

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Obstructive sleep apnea

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Sleep apnea

Alternative Names:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; Apnea - sleep apnea syndrome

Symptoms:

It is important to emphasize that often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night. The predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night. Often, family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of apnea. Symptoms that may be observed include:

Loud snoring
Periods of not breathing (apnea)
Awakening not rested in the morning
Abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times
Morning headaches
Recent weight gain
Limited attention
Memory loss
Poor judgment
Personality changes
Lethargy

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Hyperactive behavior, especially in children
High blood pressure
Automatic behavior (performing actions by rote)
Leg swelling (if severe)

Signs and tests:

A complete medical history taken by a health care practitioner is the most important diagnostic tool. Often, a survey that asks a series of questions about daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and bedtime habits is given.

A physical examination of the mouth, neck and throat (oropharynx) is important to detect abnormalities that may predispose.

Tests may include:

Sleep studies
An ECG to show arrhythmias during sleep
An arterial blood gases to show low oxygen or elevated carbon dioxide
Echocardiogram to evaluate the function of the heart
Thyroid function studies

Review Date: 8/6/2004
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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