Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is a severe sleep disorder that can have a substantial effect on your overall health and well-being. When your airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, it results in brief breathing interruptions. Although much of the population is oblivious to this condition, acknowledging the risk factors can enable you to take proactive measures to prevent or manage it.
Principal Risk Factors
1. Obesity: The airway can be narrowed and the likelihood of obstruction can be increased by increased weight, particularly around the neck.
2. Neck circumference: A high risk of OSA is associated with a larger neck circumference.
3. Upper airway anatomy: Airway collapse can be exacerbated by narrow airways, large tonsils, or a recessed mandible.
4. Increasing age: is associated with an elevated risk of OSA.
5. Smoking: The risk of OSA is elevated by the irritant effects of smoking, which can exacerbate inflammation and irritate the airways.
6. Consumption of alcohol: Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, increasing the likelihood of collapse during slumber.
7. Sedative use: OSA can be exacerbated by the use of certain medications, particularly
sedatives and tranquillizers, which can relax the vocal muscles.
8. Hormonal imbalance: Hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome are examples of hormonal imbalances that can raise the likelihood of OSA.
9. Heart failure: It can exacerbate OSA by obstructing the airways.
10. Hypertension: This condition is frequently associated with OSA.
11. Diabetes: Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing OSA.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to seek the advice of a healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis if you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent awakenings, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, or loud snoring. Your quality of life can be substantially enhanced and the likelihood of serious health complications can be reduced by the early detection and treatment of OSA.
Recall that prioritizing healthy lifestyle practices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, can reduce your risk of OSA and enhance your overall sleep quality.
Source: iStockphoto
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