What kind of disease is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disease in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing various complications.
The cause of apnea is a narrowing of the air passage (airway) and a decrease in the brain's ability to regulate breathing.
The most frequent pattern is a narrowing of the airway, one of the causes of which is obesity.
During sleep, the muscles in the throat relax and the airway becomes narrower, but if there is a lot of fat around the neck, the airway tends to become narrower, resulting in apnea.
In addition to obesity, other causes of airway narrowing include large tonsils and tongue, nasal diseases such as rhinitis and nasal septal curvature, and receding or small jaws.
Sleep apnea causes hypoxia during sleep, and the persistence of this condition can lead to various complications.
Specifically, it is known to increase the risk of high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, and stroke by 3 to 4 times.
In addition, inability to get a good night's sleep causes sleep deprivation, which leads to daytime sleepiness.
This can cause problems such as reduced work efficiency during the daytime and accidents.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Subjective symptoms include daytime sleepiness, headache and fatigue upon waking, and frequent awakening at night.
Also, people around you may point out that you snore.
The apnea itself is often unaware of the presence of the disease because it occurs during sleep.
What tests are performed when sleep apnea is suspected?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by examining breathing during sleep and measuring the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which is the combined number of apneas and hypopneas per hour.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed when this AHI is 5 or higher, 5~15 is mild, 15~30 is moderate, and 30 or higher is severe.
There are two types of tests to measure AHI: a simple monitoring method and a detailed polysomnograph test.
In the method using a simple monitor, the patient takes the test kit home and wears it to bed.
Respiration and oxygen saturation in the blood are measured during sleep, which are analyzed to calculate the AHI.
If the AHI is 40 or higher in a simple test, treatment is determined to be necessary with this result.
On the other hand, if the AHI is less than 40 on a simple test, it is evaluated by a more detailed polysomnograph test.
In the past, this test could only be performed in the hospital, but now it can be performed at home.
This test is evaluated by recording EEG and chest and abdominal movements in addition to the sensor of a simple monitor.
What is the treatment for sleep apnea?
If the AHI is 20 or higher and subjective symptoms are present, a treatment called nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is used.
This is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose during sleep and air is continuously pumped through the mask to widen the narrowed airway.
Other treatments include the use of a mouthpiece that corrects the position of the jaw.
Surgical treatment may also be effective when there is an inherent narrowing of the nose, mouth, or throat.
If obesity is present, it is important to improve lifestyle through diet and exercise therapy, as weight loss often improves symptoms.
Drinking alcohol should also be avoided as it aggravates symptoms.
What kind of sleep apnea tests and treatments are available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic?
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for sleep apnea can be performed at our clinic
Examination: Brief examination, polysomnography
Treatment: CPAP, lifestyle guidance
At our clinic, we provide careful care and a peaceful environment,
We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.