Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding causes and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
Obstructive sleep apnea is a relatively more common type of sleep apnea, arising due to excessive relaxation of and poorly functioning airway muscles in the throat. Excessive relaxation of and poorly functioning airway muscles in the throat lead to narrowing or closure of the respiratory airways, which results in respiratory pauses and obstructive sleep apnea. Involvement of the following factors can enhance the risk for an individual to present with obstructive sleep apnea. Coexistence of more than one factor can increase the risk for presentation with obstructive sleep apnea accordingly.
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: Narrowing or closure of the respiratory airways can also occur secondary to factors, such as, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, especially in young children. Enlarged tonsils can lead to closing in on the airways, resulting in obstruction to the airflow pattern, and thus contribute to development of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Stroke: Individuals with history of stroke & incomplete recovery of motor skills can present with relaxed airway muscles with poor tension in them. Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to maintain them patent and open for the air to flow unobstructed. Lack of tension in the airways contribute to airway collapse, result in obstruction to the airflow pattern, thus leading to development of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Poorly controlled Type-2 diabetes: Poorly controlled Type-2 diabetes is a serious risk factor for development of obesity and contributes to excessive fat deposition around various body organs. This fat deposition around the soft tissues in the throat contributes to their increased weight, loss of tension, and results in them being poorly supported. This leads to the soft tissues in the throat being relaxed, fall into the airway, cause obstruction to the airflow, and thus contribute to development of obstructive sleep apnea.
