Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality. Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, memory problems, weight gain, impotency and headaches. OSA is diagnosed and evaluated through patient history, physical examination and polysomnography (sleep study). Most commonly, treatment is non-surgical but in some cases, surgery may be indicated.

MedicineNet.com
MedicineNet.com II
American Sleep Apnea Association
Sleep Channel
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedLine Plus

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