Obstruct
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (pronunciation: ob-struhk-tiv sleep ap-nee-uh) is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. The airway repeatedly becomes blocked, limiting the amount of air that reaches your lungs.
Etymology
The term "Obstructive Sleep Apnea" is derived from the Latin word "obstructus", meaning blocked or closed, and the Greek word "apnea", meaning without breath.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep witnessed by another person, abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking, and excessive daytime sleepiness (Hypersomnia).
Causes
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (Uvula), the tonsils, the side walls of the throat and the tongue.
Treatment
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is necessary to prevent complications such as heart problems and excessive daytime sleepiness. Treatments include lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Obstruct
- Wikipedia's article - Obstruct
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