Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Individuals with chronic smoking history can present with increased risk for inflammation of upper airways, with narrowing and collapse of airways. This can result in obstruction to the free airflow during breathing, thus leading to increased risk for presentation with episodes of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with history of smoking must observe compliance with recommendations for smoking cessation. Identifying the triggers and social [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Individuals with history of chronic alcoholism and/or alcohol abuse 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 [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for obstructive sleep apnea as follows: 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. These individuals could consider undergoing surgical removal of tonsils or adenoids, which can result [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for obstructive sleep apnea as follows: Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to properly support anatomical soft structures in the throat, such as, the soft palate (the posterior portion of roof of the mouth), uvula (the soft tissue hanging from the soft palate in the back of the mouth), and the tongue. Obese individuals can have excessive fat deposits around the airways, soft palate, [...]

Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding findings to watch for and report in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea as follows: In individuals with poorly controlled sleep apnea, sudden drop in blood oxygen levels due to interrupted breathing pattern can lead to drop in oxygen supply to vital organs, such as, heart and brain, thus affecting their function. This can result in elevated blood pressure numbers, increased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and increased confusion with compromised metal abilities [...]