Obstructive apnea syndrome: symptoms, causes and treatment
Although popularly it is known by the name of Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, from a medical point of view it is known by the name of Pickwick's disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that this syndrome affects approximately 3% of the world population, affecting men, generally obese, snorers and with an average age of 45 years.
As many medical specialists say, although it is true that not all people who snore suffer from this syndrome, they do tend to snoring all those who suffer from it.
Causes of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Although the causes that cause the appearance of this syndrome are unknown, specialists believe that it results from both excessive weight against the chest wall, and a defect in the control of the brain over breathing.
As a result, the blood has too much carbon dioxide, and insufficient oxygen.
Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
People who suffer this syndrome while they sleep suffer a respiratory collapse, which tends to last between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. After this period the patient tends to produce a snore, as a result he wakes up and then falls asleep again.
Since this occurs several times throughout the night, the person has a restless or discontinuous sleep, hence the symptoms most commonly seen in men suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are moodiness and mood. altered
The person suffers from drowsiness during the day, may suffer from depression and also headaches.
How is this syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of this disease is made through a polygraphic study of sleep for 8 hours. In addition, an electrocardiogram, control of air inlet and outlet, oxygen levels in blood and eye movements, among others, are practiced.
All these tests allow not only to diagnose whether the person suffers from this syndrome, but also the possibility of knowing what their cardiac response and risk is, as well as the intensity and frequency of the apneas.
Treatment of obstructive apnea syndrome
At the moment the only reliable medical treatment that has proven to provide adequate results is the DPAP-Nasal system, consisting of a mask that transmits an air stream at constant pressure, so as to avoid the collapse of the respiratory system.
It is a treatment that has given excellent results. However, the high cost of diagnosing apnea means that most people who suffer from it do not have adequate treatment. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
