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(Created page with "'''Obstructive sleep apnoea''' (OSA) (sometimes called obstructive sleep apnoea ''syndrome'') is characterised by repetitive episodes of apnoea or hypopnea lasting > 10 seconds. These episodes are caused by upper airway obstruction occurring during sleep, and result in reductions in blood oxygen saturation. The hypoxaemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, briefly arousing the person from sleep. Central sleep apnoea is related but not the same. In central sleep ap...") |
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'''Obstructive sleep apnoea''' (OSA) (sometimes called obstructive sleep apnoea ''syndrome'') is characterised by repetitive episodes of apnoea or hypopnea lasting > 10 seconds | '''Obstructive sleep apnoea''' (OSA) (sometimes called obstructive sleep apnoea ''syndrome'') is characterised by repetitive episodes of sleep apnoea or hypopnea (respiratory arrest lasting > 10 seconds during sleep) due to upper airway obstruction occurring during sleep. It results in reductions in blood oxygen saturation. The hypoxaemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, briefly arousing the person from sleep. | ||
It’s a highly prevalent but likely very underdiagnosed condition. It’s a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, motor vehicle accidents, and mortality. It mostly affects elderly overweight people, however it may also affect children. | |||
[[Central sleep apnoea]] is related but not the same and much less common. | |||
==Risk factors== | ==Risk factors== | ||
*Obesity, especially around the neck | *Obesity, especially around the neck | ||
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In severe cases, nocturnal CPAP may be used to hold the oropharynx open during night. However, sleeping with CPAP is uncomfortable and thus the compliance is only moderate. | In severe cases, nocturnal CPAP may be used to hold the oropharynx open during night. However, sleeping with CPAP is uncomfortable and thus the compliance is only moderate. | ||
<noinclude>[[Category:Neurology]] | <noinclude>[[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Ear, nose, throat (ENT)]]</noinclude> | [[Category:Ear, nose, throat (ENT)]] | ||
</noinclude> |