Sleep apnea: what is it and how to deal with its manifestations

Apnea - what is it?

What is apnea, and in what forms does it manifest itself? Apnea is a disease, it is pathological and requires complex treatment depending on its form and severity.

Classification of apnea according to the mechanism of respiratory arrest:

1. Central type. Triggered by disruption of the central nervous system. Breathing movements stop after exhalation, and the chest no longer rises. The cause in this case may be: intracranial pressure, traumatic brain injury, viral infections, brain tumor and central nervous system disorders.
2. Obstructive type - mechanical closure of the airways.
3. Mixed type - a combination of central and obstructive type. He is characterized by severe snoring.

Based on the duration of stops, the following types are distinguished:

• Hypopnea - oxygen deficiency is up to 50%, the pathways are partially blocked (only part of the diaphragm moves, breathing is rapid);
• Sleep apnea, which is characterized by complete relaxation of the larynx. The delay lasts more than 10 seconds.

To determine the severity, pay attention to the duration and frequency of the phenomenon:

• Mild form - 5-20 attacks per night.
• The average form is 20–40 attacks.
• Severe form - more than 40 stops.

Less than five episodes per night is considered safe for humans.

The level of severity of apnea is calculated using a formula that takes into account these indicators and the duration of stops in seconds that occur during an hour of rest.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of apnea are sudden interruption of breathing during sleep, frequent awakenings, restless sleep and severe snoring (stops abruptly before breathing stops). The patient often does not remember nightly episodes, so those around him - children, parents or a significant other - can point out deviations. The following signs should alert you:

• frequent urge to go to the toilet at night;
• drowsiness and weakness during the day;
• morning headaches;
• dry mouth;
• deterioration of reaction and memory;
• emotional instability (depression, irritability or stress);
• constant feeling of anxiety and paranoia.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Obstructive sleep apnea: what is it?

These signs are temporary. They are mainly observed at night and in the morning, and disappear in the evening. If treatment is not started on time, the person’s general condition worsens and other abnormalities develop:

• sexual dysfunction and prostatitis (in men);
• sudden weight gain;
• arrhythmia;
• cardiovascular diseases.

In 50% of patients, concomitant pathologies are diagnosed, which significantly worsen the course of apnea. Treatment in this case is aimed at eliminating arterial hypertension, bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, and other lung diseases.

It is also very important to supervise children during the day and at night. Pathology can be revealed by breathing through the mouth, urinary incontinence, increased sweating, slow reactions, sudden changes in temperament and unusual positions during sleep.

Causes

The main cause of apnea is a violation of the motor function of the muscles and tissues of the larynx. Relaxation of this part of the body leads to interruptions in the supply of oxygen to the lungs, causing the person to begin to choke and wake up.

In most cases, anoe is a congenital pathology that is inherited from parents.

In addition to genetics, there are a number of body characteristics and bad habits that lead to the development and aggravation of the condition:

1. Floor. Men are affected twice as often as women.
2. Age-related changes. People over 50 years of age are at risk. This is due to weakening of muscles, especially if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle.
3. Anatomical features: an enlarged tongue, narrow airways, excessive folds in the mucous membrane, enlarged tonsils and a sunken lower jaw block the normal supply of oxygen.
4. Alcoholism and smoking are bad habits that are abused by every third person with apnea.
5. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk by 2–3 times.
6. Polyps and adenoids.
7. Nasal fractures and nasal congestion.
8. Taking sleeping pills.
9. Hormonal changes in women - pregnancy, menopause.

Excess weight is the most common cause, especially if a person has an accumulation of fatty tissue in the neck, chin and abdomen. Accumulations of fat put pressure on the muscles in these areas, preventing the diaphragm and larynx from working properly. Excess weight tends to be deposited in these places specifically in men, so they suffer from apnea more often.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Sleep paralysis: causes

Damage to peripheral nerves and hypofunction of the thyroid gland also lead to decreased muscle tone.

Prevention

Following the rules below will help reduce the symptoms, and in some cases even completely cure sleep apnea:

• Body weight control. Losing weight by 5–10% improves oxygen permeability by 50–60%.
• Sleep on your stomach or side. When a person lies on his back, his tongue falls in, thereby blocking the airway.
• An elevated position of the head prevents snoring and the tongue from falling inward. Raising the pillow too high is not recommended, as this will lead to the opposite effect.
• Taking hormonal medications will help women suffering from age-related changes.
• Avoiding the use of sedatives and relaxing herbal infusions.
• Elimination of bad habits.
• Using special suction cups for snoring.
• Providing easy nasal breathing. Chronic nasal congestion requires immediate treatment from an ENT doctor.

In addition, it is important to ensure the most comfortable conditions and peace: eliminate all unnecessary sounds, avoid TV and computer before bed, use a dark blindfold.

Treatment

The method of therapy directly depends on what type of apnea is diagnosed. First of all, treatment of apnea should be aimed at eliminating the causes, so therapy for the central nervous system, obesity, diabetes, etc. is needed.

For mild obstructive apnea, which is caused by anatomical features, surgical intervention is prescribed. The attending physician prescribes the method of therapy after a complete diagnosis.

Surgery

Prescribed for enlarged tonsils, curvature of the lower jaw and nose. Includes the following types of operations:

• The use of the Pillar system is the introduction of synthetic plates into the soft palate, which make it stiffer and support it like a frame. Effectively eliminates snoring.
• Adenomectomy - removal of hypertrophied lymphoid tissue. Polyps are removed from the upper part of the nasopharynx under local anesthesia.
• Tracheostomy - opening the trachea and inserting a special tube that provides constant access to air, even when the airways are completely blocked.
• Bariatrics. It is performed for severe obesity and is a surgical reduction in the size of the stomach. The person begins to consume less food and loses weight.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is the removal of part of the soft palate.
• Tonsillectomy - removal of hypertrophied tonsils.

USEFUL INFORMATION: What is sleep apnea?

CPAP

This is one of the best and safest ways, which involves wearing a special mask that covers your nose and mouth before going to bed.

Air is supplied under pressure through a special tube, ensuring a constant supply of oxygen to the body. Modern devices have special settings for humidity and air temperature, which allows you to create the most comfortable conditions for the patient.

An effective treatment for tongue apnea is the placement of rubber mandibular splints on the teeth, which help keep the jaw and tongue in a safe position.

When diagnosing the central form, along with the main treatment, the diuretic Acetazolamide is used, which relieves swelling and improves blood supply to brain cells.

Complications

Constant oxygen deprivation increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by 30–40%. In severe forms, sleep apnea syndrome enters the daytime phase, and carbon dioxide exchange is disrupted 24 hours a day. In such cases, a diagnosis of “Pickwickian syndrome” is established, when, due to drowsiness and general fatigue, a person can fall asleep at any time and anywhere, which is fraught with physical and work-related injuries.

The rapid increase in clinical manifestations can lead to disability and even death.

Source: https://DobryjSon.ru/narusheniya/vidy/nochnoj-apnoe.html

Sleep apnea: what is it, causes, symptoms, treatment

Sleep is considered an important physiological process of human life. It is often accompanied by unpleasant irritating sounds in the form of loud snoring. Ronchopathy is a harbinger of a serious pathology - obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA).

If a sleeping person has loud snoring interspersed with short-term lulls and is accompanied by increased physical activity, then you should not delay it and quickly seek help from a specialist.

Why is sleep apnea so dangerous, and how to deal with this pathology?

Respiratory arrest during sleep: characteristics of the condition

The unusual term "apnea" of Greek origin literally means "lack of breathing." Temporary sudden stops of respiratory movements occur with varying frequency during sleep, when a person does not feel it.

The condition itself cannot be called dangerous, since some people, by occupation, specifically train holding their breath (deep-sea swimmers, athletes).

   But if the pathology is accompanied by deterioration in well-being, fatigue, apathy, fatigue, and a person begins to choke in his sleep, then it is customary to talk about sleep apnea syndrome.

During sleep, they relax and decline, which prevents the free passage of air to the lungs. In this case, the following complications develop:

• hypoxia – lack of oxygen in the blood;
• hypercapnia – increased concentration of carbon dioxide.

When these conditions occur, a kind of protective mechanism is triggered: the brain receives a “signal” and sends response nerve impulses, thereby restoring muscle function.

Main causes of sleep apnea

The disease can be either congenital or acquired. In addition to genetic predisposition, experts identify a number of internal and external factors that provoke the development of the disease. The main cause is excessive relaxation of the pharyngeal muscles, but the following conditions can aggravate its course:

• overweight;
• age;
• gender;
• structural features of the building;
• bad habits - alcohol and smoking;
• use of sedatives;
• diabetes;
• nasal injury or nasal congestion caused by certain diseases (colds, ARVI).

Persons most susceptible to pathology

According to statistics, the phenomenon is not uncommon and is diagnosed with varying frequencies in both adults and children. Many people know about sleep apnea, but only doctors know in detail what it is. Who is at risk?

• Elderly people over 60 years of age due to age-related changes in the soft tissues of the pharynx and loss of their elasticity.
• Men are more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea. This is explained by different levels of progesterone in the body of both sexes.
• People who are overly addicted to taking medications belonging to the sedative, hypnotic and tranquilizer groups.
• Patients with a history of endocrine disorders: hypothyroidism, acromegaly.
• Persons leading a chaotic and unhealthy lifestyle, abusing alcohol, excessive tobacco smoking, and fatty foods that lead to excessive obesity.
• Citizens with congenital anomalies or acquired pathologies of the nose, mouth, pharynx, as well as those suffering from muscle weakness.

Signs of breathing disorder during sleep

People suffering from OSA do not even know it. Characteristic manifestations of apnea are considered to be short-term periodic stops in breathing during the night's rest, which can be confirmed by family members living with the snoring person. Experts distinguish two categories of signs characterizing the presence of pathology.

• headaches after waking up;
• dry mouth;
• a sleepy state that does not go away during the day;
• absent-mindedness, apathy;
• deterioration of perception.

Night:

• sleep disorders - restlessness, frequent awakenings or persistent insomnia;
• snoring of varying intensity and strength;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• increased sweating, shortness of breath;
• cardiopalmus;
• urinary incontinence.

Varieties of the syndrome

Today, depending on the possibility of air flow, two types of OSA are known. Apnea, when the soft tissues of the pharynx collapse and completely block the lumen, as a result of which breathing stops for 10 seconds or more. Hypopnea, if the airways are partially blocked by muscle structures, and the air stream penetrates only 50% of the lungs.

The mechanism of development and predisposing factors are criteria for another classification. Experts were able to identify three main types of the syndrome.

Central apnea. It occurs during periods when the brain begins to forget about its functions and stops sending impulses to the muscles that control the breathing process. This condition is extremely rare, and patients usually remember waking up during the night.

Mixed apnea. The reasons are similar to the first case. Over time, if left untreated, the condition becomes obstructive and is accompanied by serious disturbances in the respiratory process.

Threat to health and life

If you do not pay attention to alarm signals and do not promptly identify and treat sleep apnea syndrome, then other symptoms may join the existing signs:

• weight gain associated with metabolic disorders due to oxygen deficiency;
• problems in the sexual sphere - impotence develops in men, frigidity in women.

At later stages, a person develops the following complications:

• arrhythmias;
• angina attacks;
• heart failure;
• arterial hypertension;
• IHD – coronary heart disease;
• vascular atherosclerosis;
• obstructive respiratory diseases – asthma, bronchitis.

Diagnostic examination

As a rule, a somnologist is able to make a preliminary diagnosis of “night apnea” already at the first appointment, based on the patient’s complaints. To confirm it, all systems are monitored, followed by recording of physiological indicators.

• general and bacteriological laboratory testing of blood, as well as determination of its lipid spectrum;
• analysis of thyroid hormones;
• urine analysis to determine general indicators and albumin;
• Rehberg test (determines the excretory capacity of the kidneys).

If there is a suspicion of the development of oncology of any nature, advanced diagnostics are prescribed. If the consequences of OSA occur, additional studies may be prescribed to assess the condition of the affected organs or systems.

1. For heart disease - ultrasound, ECG, Dopplerography.
2. For respiratory pathology - CT, chest x-ray, scintiography.
3. For disorders of the central nervous system - MRI.

Treatment of nocturnal episodes of breath holding

Treatment tactics for sleep apnea depend on the cause, the characteristics of the underlying disease and the severity of the syndrome itself. The maximum effect can be achieved only with an integrated approach. The following methods will be required:

• drug treatment;
• lifestyle changes;
• physiotherapeutic procedures and special exercises.

Traditional medicine will help supplement the treatment.

Medicines and devices

Medication therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause that led to the development of the pathology. Treatment of sleep apnea in patients is carried out using the following drugs:

• topical corticosteroids;
• sedatives.

• "Otrivin";
• "Aquamaris";
• "Nazol";
• "Sanorin";
• "Nazivin";
• "Snoop."

Spray “Snorex” is popular, as well as “Sleepex” and “Asonor”, ​​which help eliminate allergic manifestations and increase the tone of the muscles of the larynx, tongue, pharynx and soft palate. Patients can use devices in the form of special mouth guards, silicone inserts, nipples, magnetic clips, and nasal patches. Anti-snoring bracelets and chin straps are considered effective inventions.

Advice! CPAP, BIPAP, and TRIPAP machines are considered one of the best methods of conservative treatment. They are devices whose action is aimed at facilitating breathing during sleep by pumping air through a compact compressor. This prevents the collapse of soft tissue, which leads to respiratory delays.

Folk remedies

You can get rid of unpleasant symptoms and normalize breathing using traditional medicine recipes.

Sea buckthorn oil. Instill 1 drop of the heated liquid into each passage 2-3 hours before bedtime for 3-4 weeks.

Oak bark. Boil a tablespoon of crushed raw materials in half a liter of water for 15 minutes. Gargle with a small amount of strained broth several times during the day.

Surgery

As a rule, doctors resort to surgical intervention in the most extreme cases, when other treatment methods have proven ineffective or the disease greatly worsens a person’s quality of life.

The latter include the following conditions:

• hypertrophied tonsils;
• deviated nasal septum;
• small size of the lower jaw in relation to the upper.

In modern surgery, the following types of operations are used:

• tracheostomy, when air enters the respiratory tract through an artificially created outlet;
• tonsillectomy – removal of hypertrophied tonsils;
• uvulopalatopharyngoplasty – removal of part of the soft palate, and sometimes the uvula;
• adenoidectomy - removal of small formations located on the back wall of the pharynx;
• Pillar system – insertion of implants into the soft palate to increase rigidity.

Patients diagnosed with obesity undergo suturing of part of the stomach, which is called bariatric surgery.

Infant mortality and apnea: statistics

According to statistics, every 11 babies do not survive to one year. This is due to many reasons, one of which is apnea. Every month, infant mortality in Moscow alone claims the lives of 70-90 infants, both normal and premature.

You should contact a specialist if your child is breathing with frequent stops and has one or more signs from the following group:

• blue discoloration of fingertips and face;
• heart rate slows to below 90 beats per minute;
• weakening of muscle tone;
• breast refusal, lethargy, apathy;
• lack of adequate response.

Preventive measures

Compliance with the recommendations below will help not only minimize specific manifestations, but in some cases completely get rid of the syndrome. Prevention includes revising your lifestyle and improving your sleeping conditions.

Changing your lifestyle involves the following measures:

1. The correct position of the body, in which the head should be higher than the level of the body so that a person can breathe freely.
2. Body weight control. Losing weight not only has a beneficial effect on your appearance, but also makes breathing easier, including at night.

3. Completely quit smoking and reduce the amount of strong alcohol consumed. Drinking alcoholic beverages is allowed in moderate doses 4-6 hours before bedtime.
4. Choosing the right posture. Sleeping on your back causes your tongue to sink and your airways to collapse, causing your breathing to stop.

   Positions on the side and stomach are considered more acceptable.

Creating optimal conditions involves the following:

1. Elimination of light and noise. Darkness and silence in the bedroom will help you get ready for a good rest.
2. Correct psycho-emotional state. Stop reading, watching TV and communicating on social media. networks will help reduce excitement and normalize the nervous system.

3. Having an evening ritual. A relaxing bath, herbal tea or a glass of warm milk, a light massage and meditation are excellent ways to prevent sleep disordered breathing.

Conclusion

A seemingly harmless disease can lead to dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences (sudden death in sleep from respiratory arrest), so you should consult a doctor in time and not only take care of your health, but also protect your life.

Source: https://znatoksna.ru/rasstrojstvo-dyhanija/harakternost/apnoje-chto-jeto-takoe.html

How to treat sleep apnea

Sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by periodic, frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, usually leading to awakening.

Treating sleep apnea is necessary to restore normal breathing at night and avoid daytime sleepiness, decreased performance and immunity.

In addition, sleep apnea causes the development of diseases such as high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment of sleep apnea can reduce the risk of complications.

How to treat apnea: a healthy lifestyle

First of all, traditional advice: a person who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea must change his lifestyle. There are patients who simply need to lose weight to get rid of sleep apnea. Excess body weight is one of the main causes of the disease.

Sleep apnea syndrome and weight are interrelated - 77% of overweight people suffer from various sleep disorders, and 70% of people with sleep apnea are overweight.

It was noticed that even with a slight decrease in weight, the quality of sleep increased, and vice versa: when treating apnea, a person began to lose weight.

In 2009, researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institute led by Professor Martin Neovius showed that after 9 weeks of a calorie-restricted diet of up to 500 per day, overweight men experienced a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms of up to 21 attacks per hour.

The final study found that over the next year after losing weight, even though the men had gained most of the weight back, the improvement continued.

Even not with such a strict calorie restriction, but only 1200-1500 calories per day, a diet among a study group of 250 people in studies conducted by a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine showed an improvement in the condition of patients 3 times more often than in the control group.

Be careful about the time before bed. The last solid meal should be no later than 4 hours before bedtime; 2 hours before bedtime, only a light snack in the form of kefir, cookies, or apples is allowed.

You need to give up alcohol before bed and not take sedatives - they cause a decrease in the tone of the pharyngeal muscles.

These factors provoke collapse of the wall of the airway lumen, which causes respiratory arrest.

You need to sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue to retract during snoring, which again leads to an attack of apnea. To avoid turning over on your back in your sleep, just do a little life hack - sew a pocket on the back of your pajamas and put a tennis ball in it. The ball will put pressure on the back and wake up the sleeping person when turning. After 4 weeks of torment, the body will get used to sleeping on its side.

The pillow also affects the frequency of attacks. On a high pillow, the head takes an incorrect position and the respiratory passages are pinched. The pillow must be replaced with either a flat or orthopedic one. An even better option is to purchase a bed with a slightly raised headboard.

Positive pressure treatment

CPAP therapy, a method based on creating constant positive pressure in the respiratory tract, has recently become widespread for the treatment of sleep apnea - a temporary stop in breathing during sleep. To apply this method, a special CPAP machine is used.

Before going to bed, the patient puts a special mask on his nose and securely fixes it on his head so that it does not slip off during sleep. Through it, oxygen is supplied to the respiratory tract under pressure, which helps maintain the lumen of the respiratory tract in normal working condition.

The pressure level can be individually adjusted to better prevent airway collapse.

Thanks to CPAP therapy, blockage is eliminated, breath holding during sleep stops, sleep is normalized and the patient’s well-being improves from the first night of use.

Regular use of the device reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.

CPAP therapy is currently the most effective method for treating sleep apnea in patients with moderate to severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea.

In addition to CPAP equipment, more compact devices have been developed and are successfully used, also based on the positive pressure treatment method.

They are also used for frequent travelers who have sleep apnea.

Intraoral devices

If blockage of the airways occurs due to retraction of the tongue or other structural features of the lower jaw, patients are recommended to use special intraoral devices during sleep.

All kinds of mouthpieces, mouth guards and other retainers push the lower jaw forward and keep the tongue from retracting. In this position, the airway lumen does not close at night.

These devices only help with mild forms of the disease.

Surgery

If sleep apnea is caused by causes that can be treated surgically, then a variety of surgical treatment methods are used, including:

• correction of the nasal septum;
• removal of tonsils and adenoids;
• Uvulopalatoplasty - changing the shape of the soft palate, partial/complete removal of the uvula, sometimes installing soft palate implants, etc.

To select the method of operation and the site of intervention, a dynamic assessment of the upper respiratory tract is performed using polysomnography or respiratory monitoring or other studies.

For many, single operations are ineffective; the effect can be achieved by multi-level modification of the upper respiratory tract, performed surgically simultaneously or in stages.

The standard protocol is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (removal of the uvula, part of the soft palate, tonsils) with advancement of the genioglossus muscle, hyoid myotomy and maxillomandibular displacement (increases the space of the posterior airways).

The operations are performed using minimally invasive methods of laser and radio wave surgery.

The main benefit of the operation is that the oxygen saturation of arterial blood increases. In 2008

The Stanford Center for Somnology and Sleep Medicine published studies according to which 93.3% of operated patients achieved a normal level of life.

The surgery resulted in improvements in overall productivity, activity levels, social outcomes, mindfulness, communication, and personal life.

Medicines

Medicines are used primarily to treat central apnea, apnea that has different mechanisms than obstructive apnea.

For treatment, drugs such as acetazolamide or zolpidem and triazolam are used.

As for obstructive apnea, several approaches to drug therapy have been developed:

• increased respiratory activity;
• tone of the upper respiratory tract;
• threshold of micro-awakenings
• suppression of REM sleep.

The effectiveness of these drugs has not been proven.

Treatment at home

At home, you can reduce the number of apnea attacks, and sometimes even cure if apnea syndrome occurs due to obesity. To do this, you need to follow a diet and give the body the necessary physical activity. For example, daily apnea training of the muscles of the soft palate will help improve muscle tone:

1. Move your tongue forward as much as possible, tense it, and hold it for a couple of seconds. Do 30 times in the morning and evening.
2. Move your lower jaw up and down, while holding it with your hand (also 30 repetitions).
3. Grip a wooden pencil with your teeth as hard as you can for 4 minutes.
4. Pronounce vowels clearly and loudly in any order.

With a regular approach and responsible execution, positive results will be visible within a month of training. Regular singing at home will effectively complement this training. During vocal exercises, exactly those muscles that fall during an attack are trained.

Another method of training the tone of the muscles of the upper respiratory tract can be considered ujjayi pranayama, during which the muscles of the nasopharynx and oropharynx are held in a tucked state during inhalation. The exercise is also called snake breathing. With regular yoga practice of “snake breathing”, a stable muscle stereotype is formed.

Some people find that a simple finger massage helps. You need to do it on an empty stomach and in front of a mirror. Open your mouth wide in front of the mirror and with your index finger go behind the tongue and for a couple of minutes (as long as possible) massage the muscles of the soft palate with a pendulum movement. Make more intense movements in the area up to the tongue. A 15-day course strengthens the muscles of the soft palate.

A few more tips:

• before going to bed, rinse your nasal passages with water and sea salt or aquamaris, drawing the solution into yourself;
• To facilitate nasal breathing, drip sea buckthorn oil 4-5 drops into your nose for 3-4 weeks.

List of used literature:

• Vein A. M., Eligulashvili T. S., Poluektov M. G. Sleep apnea syndrome. - M.: Eidos Media, 2002. — 218 p.
• Nikolin K. M. Sleep apnea syndrome (lecture for doctors). — St. Petersburg, 2005 — 21 p.
• Pustozerov V. G., Zhulev N. M. Modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders: textbook. - St. Petersburg: SPbMAPO, 2002. — 13 s.

Source: https://PsySon.ru/bolezni-sna/kak-lechit-apnoe-sna.html

Stopping breathing during sleep

Sleep apnea, or stopping breathing during sleep, is most often not recognized, but after waking up it can be reflected in headaches and a feeling of persistent fatigue. This phenomenon occurs frequently, so it is important to know what apnea is and what methods exist to get rid of it.

Classification

Apnea translated from ancient Greek (ἄπνοια) means “calmness”. The disease is characterized by short-term cessation of breathing during sleep, followed by convulsive inhalation due to the resulting suffocation. The restoration of free air flow occurs independently, although it is often preceded by awakening. The appearance of such attacks during sleep in adults is explained by the lack of conscious regulation of the functioning of the respiratory muscles. Night apnea is classified according to several indicators (completeness of breath holding, causes of suffocation, severity of the disease).

According to the completeness of breath holding, apnea occurs:

•         complete. In this case, the air flow circulating in the respiratory tract is completely interrupted, which causes the rapid appearance of severe suffocation;
•         partial. Characterized by a decrease in the free flow of air into the lungs by 40% or more. This phenomenon is called hypopnea.

Typically, holding your breath during sleep does not exceed three minutes, as the brain reacts to the appearance of oxygen deficiency, forcing the person to wake up, while restoring normal functioning. Depending on the factors that provoke respiratory arrest, the following types of apnea are distinguished:

•         obstructive, arising due to the appearance of obstruction (blockade) in the upper respiratory tract;
•         central, caused by an imbalance in the functioning of the brain or heart;
•         mixed, indicating the presence of a complex of breathing disorders.

In accordance with the number of respiratory arrests per night, three degrees are distinguished, characterizing the severity of the disease:

•         easy (5 – 9 times);
•         average (10 – 19);
•         severe (more than 20).

Correct identification of the type of apnea becomes a priority condition for prescribing effective therapeutic measures.

Causes of sleep apnea

Known causes of apnea are varied and vary depending on the type of disease. Considering the factors that provoke the occurrence of obstructive apnea, several types are distinguished.

    1. The appearance of obstacles in the respiratory tract for the free movement of air.

This phenomenon can occur for several reasons:

•         congenital pathology of the respiratory tract, expressed in their narrowing;
•         Thornwald cyst, polyps localized in the nose;
•         deviated nasal septum;
•         adenoids;
•         frequent relapses of sore throat;
•         allergy;
•         underdeveloped lower jaw with backward displacement;
•         tumor processes in the pharynx;
•         enlargement of the tongue as a result of acromegaly;
•         obesity.

2. Loss of tone of the pharyngeal muscles.

The following unfavorable factors can provoke such violations:

•         alcohol abuse;
•         taking certain medications that promote muscle relaxation - some sleeping pills, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants;
•         thyroid diseases;
•         the appearance of an imbalance during the passage of nerve impulses generated by the brain, which are designed to keep muscles in good shape, with the development of muscular dystrophy and other muscle pathologies;
•         damage resulting from trauma or surgery to peripheral nerves.

Analyzing what is the key cause for the development of central apnea, characterized by a sudden lack of signals from the brain to the respiratory muscles that control breathing. Several groups of unfavorable provoking factors should be distinguished.

•      A sharp decrease in the normal functioning of the respiratory center located in the brain. A similar condition is observed with Ondine syndrome, brain stem injury, development of tumors, cysts or hemorrhage.
•      Insufficient blood supply or impaired gas exchange. These types of causes of sleep apnea appear in cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases.

It is noted that when apnea is detected in adults, men are more often at risk.

Characteristic symptoms

Symptoms characteristic of apnea include snoring, intermittent, noisy breathing. The person himself cannot note that he has any sign of respiratory arrest. This becomes obvious to people near the sleeping person.

When breathing stops, there is noticeable restlessness. The person begins to turn his head and roll over. He is characterized by frequent waking up, during which he immediately begins to suck in air.

There are other symptoms that indicate breathing problems while falling asleep;

•         alternating snoring with periods of sudden silence;
•         increased heart rate during night awakenings due to a feeling of suffocation;
•         sweating;
•         difficulty continuing sleep after a disturbing awakening;
•         the need to empty the bladder at night.

After waking up, the following conditions are characteristic signs of frequent stoppages of breathing:

•         headache;
•         lack of feeling of rest after sleep;
•         daytime sleepiness, which reduces performance;
•         dry mouth;
•         chronic irritability;
•         memory impairment, decreased concentration;
•         the possibility of developing impotence.

Such a complex of negative effects on the body should motivate people who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea to be more careful while driving, control themselves when performing responsible work, and learn to restrain negative emotions during personal communication.

Diagnostic methods

If respiratory arrest is suspected, a diagnosis is carried out, including several directions.

•         Visual observation, survey

At the initial stage, the doctor identifies the presence of signs of sleep apnea. It helps to clarify the picture if there is evidence from other family members who may have observed restless behavior during sleep.

Indirect symptoms are taken into account, which include fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability.

During the examination, breathing parameters are measured, the patency of the nasal passages is checked, and the possible presence of pathological changes in the upper respiratory tract is identified. A blood test is performed.

Important information can be obtained by connecting to a device that records the necessary parameters throughout sleep. This procedure, if necessary, is carried out in the clinic.

The patient may be given a portable device for examination at home.

Treatment methods

Since stopping breathing when falling asleep can become a provoking moment for serious pathological conditions, doctors’ recommendations for the treatment of apnea cannot be ignored. There are several successfully tested treatment methods that show good results.

1. Lifestyle changes

Knowledge of some of the factors that provoke the occurrence of sleep apnea can become a leading motive for their eradication. This approach is effective in the presence of mild disease.

If you are obese, you will need to contact a specialist and choose a safe method for getting rid of extra pounds. It is necessary to quit smoking, reduce the amount of alcohol as much as possible (it is advisable to start leading a completely sober lifestyle).

2. CPAP (CPAP) therapy

The essence of this progressive treatment technique is the use of a specially designed device, with the help of which it is possible to normalize breathing during sleep. The indication for this method is the development of moderate or severe apnea.

In the evening, before going to sleep, a mask is put on the nose. There are varieties that cover both the mouth and nose. The device provides a constant flow of air into the respiratory tract under the calculated pressure. This prevents involuntary closure of the ducts by soft tissues. Improved devices of the latest generations are equipped with an air humidifier. They are customizable enough to meet the specific needs of patients.

Some side effects are also taken into account:

•         discomfort at the stage of getting used to the mask;
•         the appearance of nasal congestion;
•         headache;
•         difficulty breathing through the nose;
•         pain in the ears;
•         stomach pain, flatulence.

If such reactions occur continuously, you will need to consult a specialist.

3. Mandibular splint

When deciding how to treat sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend the use of a mandibular splint similar to the mouthguard used in sports. This device fixes the lower jaw, as well as the tongue, allowing free breathing without interference.

A splint made of a rubber-like material is placed over the teeth, while securely securing the lower jaw. For moderately severe sleep apnea, treatment with this device is effective and brings significant relief. The main condition is the correct selection of size, so you need to contact a dentist who has skills in this area.

4. Surgery

If it is impossible to cure sleep apnea with the help of special devices, surgical intervention may be indicated in the following cases:

•         deviated nasal septum;
•         small lower jaw;
•         hypertrophied tonsils.

If you often lose your breath during sleep, then treatment of apnea can take the form of the following types of operations.

•         Tracheostomy. If the upper respiratory tract is completely blocked, a special tube is inserted into the trachea through an opening, allowing air to flow freely into the lungs.
•         Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Excess soft palate tissue is removed during surgery. If necessary, the tongue can be removed. This type of surgery is often practiced in adult patients.
•         Adenoidectomy. If the adenoids interfere with breathing freely during sleep, they must be removed.
•         Tonsillectomy. During this operation, hypertrophied tonsils are removed.
•         Pillar system. To make the soft palate more stable and rigid, thin implants made of dense material are inserted.
•         Bariatric surgery. If severe obesity is identified as the key cause of sleep apnea, it may be necessary to suturing the stomach or reducing its volume by installing a special balloon.

Which type of operation will be most effective is decided individually in each individual case.

Folk remedies

Even a brief cessation of breathing during sleep is dangerous, especially for a weakened body. The therapeutic complex may include drugs made according to traditional medicine recipes.

•         Rinsing the nasal passages every night with sea salt (a teaspoon) dissolved in pre-heated, pre-boiled water (200 ml) will help combat respiratory dysfunction caused by excess mucus.
•         White cabbage juice (200 ml) will be beneficial, to which honey (a teaspoon) is added immediately after squeezing and drunk before bed.
•         In case of severe nasal congestion, 4 drops of pharmaceutical sea buckthorn oil are dripped an hour before falling asleep.
•         To strengthen the body, heal the cardiovascular system, and remove mucus from the lungs, use black cumin seeds. To infuse, add a tablespoon of raw material to 200 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse under the lid for 15 minutes. Drink before meals twice a day. The course duration is 2 months.
•         In severe cases, it is advisable to prepare a mixture of several plants. You will need 100 g each of sage, horsetail (herb), burdock (leaves), hawthorn (berries). The collection also includes 50 g of cinquefoil (root). After grinding all the components, they should be mixed. In the morning, prepare a decoction by adding a tablespoon of the mixture to 500 ml of water. After boiling, cook for 5 minutes. then the broth is filtered and cooled. Drink a glass 4 times a day.

There are quite a lot of recipes from the assortment of folk wisdom, so you can easily choose the appropriate option.

Consequences

It is important for every person to understand what sleep apnea is and how this disease can be dangerous if left untreated.

Among the negative consequences of frequent delays in breathing during sleep, the following pathological conditions are noted:

•         increased blood pressure;
•         stroke;
•         ischemia;
•         brain nutrition disorder;
•         heart failure;
•         heart attack

Neurological disorders and type 2 diabetes may develop. For men, impotence becomes an unpleasant consequence. People with severe apnea are at risk due to the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest.

Source: https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/59f9a0235a104fe1e0d6eaf6/5a83c1198c8be368a36eca4e