Sleep apnea (chronic sleep disruption)

Description A potentially serio...

Description

A potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep causing dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood during the night. The low oxygen can result in hypertension, stroke and heart failure. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by airway obstruction during the night and results from large tonsils/adenoids and/or obesity. More than 12 million people in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, periods of not breathing (apnea) while asleep, 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.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A survey to detect sleep abnormalities is taken. Additional tests may be done to rule out other causes of the symptoms. A polysomnography (sleep study) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests:
Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Other Specific Tests: Arterial blood gases, echocardiogram, sleep studies, thyroid function studies

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)

Treatment

The goal of therapy is to keep the airway open during the night. Losing weight, and surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat may be recommended. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment. This involves the use of a specially-designed mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth at night.