It is the most common sleep disorders which can affect children as well as adults & can have serious implications
Symptoms - loud snoring with frequent awakening with gasping, choking, daytime sleepiness, headache, high blood pressure
Complications – Cardiovascular risks of arrhythmias & hypertension, sudden death.
Causes – Critical narrowing of the nasopharyngeal airway due to collapse of the surrounding soft tissue walls louding to temporary cessation of the breathing. The causes may be central or peripheral.
Risk factors – Obesity, age, obstructed airway, high B.P. addictions of alcohol, systemic disease with D.M. asthma
Diagnosis - Polysomnography, ENT examination & investigations
Treatment - Lifestyle changes, stop smoking/Alcohol and weight reduction. Positive airway pressure with CPAP or BIPAP devices. Oral devices.
Medical - UPPP Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Jaw surgery maxilla mandibular advancement. Nasal surgery it required tracheostomy if other methods have failed