Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Learn How To Cure Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea in normal children is almost always caused by enlarged (hypertrophic) tonsils and adenoids). These children will display the typical sleeping patterns of sleep apnea. They have loud snoring, frequent pauses with breathing at night, frequent awakening from sleep, restless sleep, nightmares, and bedwetting (enuresis). During the daytime, these children are mouth breathers, may have excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor school performance.

Other more rare causes of sleep apnea include any congenital (present from birth) or acquired cause of upper airway obstruction.
The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is directed to the cause of the obstruction.

As noted above, most cases of obstructive sleep apnea in children is caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Surgical interventions are therefore directed to what is causing the obstruction. In the case of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is usually successful in relieving the problem. If the problem is not the tonsils and adenoids, the cause of the obstruction must be determined. For example, surgery of the jaw may be required. In some cases, even a tracheostomy is necessary. Non-surgical therapies include oral prostheses (difficult in children), medications (steroids, stimulants), and weight reduction.

In almost every case of obstructive sleep apnea in children who do not have unusual anatomic problems, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is a safe and effective treatment, and is highly recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    Obstructive Sleep Apnea. How do you feel about surgical option?
    I have severe obstructive sleep apnea that caused mu oxygen levels to drop in the 60% range. The condition was bad enough that surgery was offered.

    My question: If you had surgery to correct you obstructive sleep apnea, what were your side effects (if any) and how long did it take to recover.

    • ANSWER:
      I've not had the procedure done (yet) but one of my coworkers had it done and it improved her whole life so much. Now that it's been 10 years (she's gotten older, plus she's gained weight) she started to have difficulty staying asleep again so badly that she asked her doctor if she could have a second procedure but instead he has her on one of those ventilating machines--which she detests (but maybe her condition hasn't progressed far enough to suggest surgery again yet). If your condition is bad enough your doc is recommending surgery, you ought to think about it--maybe get a second opinion. Surgery recovery may be painful but if it'll allow you to breath (and avoid developing other health problems related to oxygen depravity), then it is well worth it--and whatever pain there is is transitory, it'll go away once the incisions have healed and you['ll feel so much better.

  2. QUESTION:
    Does aeviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea make excercise (running) difficult?
    I have a deviated septum, one of my nostrils is almost completly closed. I also have obstructive sleep apnea (too much tissue in my throat). I'm trying to start running but when I reach about a mile I have shortness of breath. Could this be the cause?

    • ANSWER:
      You definately will have breathing issues but you can learn to breathe in and out of your mouth to overcome that, also be sure to start your pace slowly. Failure to do so will just cause you to get out of breathe quicker.

      Good luck!

  3. QUESTION:
    Have any of you successfully eliminated obstructive sleep apnea?
    I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea nearly 10 years (I'm 37 now), and I'm not, nor have I ever been, overweight or obese. I'm very active and exercise almost daily. I've been using CPAP since I was first diagnosed. There may be some surgical options and I'm meeting my ENT specialist soon. Has anybody completely gotten rid of sleep apnea with surgery? If so, how? What surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. If it is your tonsils or nasal polyps, surgery works well. If it is farther down the respiratory track, surgery works less than 50 percent of the time. Some people just have floppy airways.

      Really get a few opinions of surgery before making any discussions. Go to sleepnet.com. These message boards are strictly for sleep apnea.

  4. QUESTION:
    Does a deviated septum & obstructive sleep apnea make excercise (running) difficult?
    I posted this under the wrong category before. I have a deviated septum, one of my nostrils is almost completly closed. I also have obstructive sleep apnea (too much tissue in my throat). I'm trying to start running but when I reach about a mile I have shortness of breath. Could this be the cause?

    • ANSWER:
      Sure. OSA is terribly hard on your heart and cause pulmonary hypertension. Are you treating your OSA with a cpap or bipap?

  5. QUESTION:
    obstructive sleep apnea surgery is it worth the risks?
    Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

    • ANSWER:
      Many family members have had the surgery and now there apnea is worse because of the scar tissue. Much pain. Use CPAP, no pain, no scar tissue, Surgery only works if you know exactly where the obstruction is.

  6. QUESTION:
    Can young women have obstructive sleep apnea?
    Is it possible for a young, very slender (5'6"/102 lbs), petite female to have sleep apnea? I recently started dating such a woman and she told me that sometimes she wakes up gasping for air and her heart is pounding. She has been told in the past that she snores. I thought that only people who were overweight or older can develop that condition.

    • ANSWER:
      Apnea can effect anyone of any age. Young children can have sleep apnea.

  7. QUESTION:
    Is there any prescribed sleeping medication that can be used if you have obstructive sleep apnea?
    I use bi-pap, but am still unable to sleep. I thought I read somewhere that there is a prescription sleeping pill that is safe for peopel with obstuctive sleep apnea to use.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, there are prescription sleeping pills that are safe for people with OSA. If you have worries b/c you feel that if you sleep too hard that you might have an apnea and not wake yourself up as long as you are using your bi-pap, theres no worry. Sleep well tonight, live well tomorrow. See your sleep doctor or regular. There is many different kinds of sleep aids as well.

  8. QUESTION:
    Nasal Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    I was just diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and my doctor says that he wants to do surgery on both my palate and nasal airway. He says that my nasal airway is barely open and not getting any oxygen in it when I try to breathe (mouth breather). I don't want the surgery, so he says that he'll only let me try the CPAP for one night at the hospital but that if it doesn't work, he'll do the surgery anyway. Has anyone here had nasal surgery? Is it done awake/asleep? Does it hurt? Does it work? I'm really scared about it but all Doc tells me is not to worry. Easy for him to say.

    • ANSWER:
      It all depends on the reason for the nasal surgery. Some people do have a deviated septum or other major reasons for nasal blockage. In some cases the nasal airway blockage will actually make using cpap more difficult due to nasal congestion and such. On the other hand the palate surgery is not always the best option. This is not an absolute cure for OSA. Almost all patients who have the surgery wind up on Cpap anyways. The success rate is very poor and it almost never works. Also very painful. An ENT is generally going to want to perform the surgery. I agree with the person who says you should see a board certified sleep specialist on this matter. He may give you a different outlook on your situation. Good luck in whatever your outcome may be.

  9. QUESTION:
    How common is obstructive sleep apnea is children?
    We've never had a problem with her weight.She has been to a sleep study and had X-rays on her adnoids. She hes abnormally large tonsils and adnoids.She is set up for surgery I was just curious as to how common it is?

    • ANSWER:
      well.
      i had my adnoids removed. and i dont know how common it is...
      but getting the adnoids/tonsils removed is very common with my friends.
      i think only two out of 20 have theirs still.
      it is just a normal procedure.
      and dont worry... afterwards the kid will be able to eat ice cream and popsicles all day... they will be happy...
      :]]

  10. QUESTION:
    Where can I obtain machine for obstructive sleep apnea in Thailand?
    Have been diagnosed with osa following sleep test at bangkok pattaya hospital in Pattaya. Need now to obtain automatic machine. Hospital cannot supply and their agencies are very slow.

    • ANSWER:
      I dont know exactly where you could get one in Thailand. My suggestion would be to try and get one online. If you have a prescription for one it should not be a problem. Try looking up Durable Medical Equipment Providers Online and see what you can find. You can also try Cpap.com. Respirionics and Resmed are both good units. Good luck.

  11. QUESTION:
    If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
    My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

    • ANSWER:
      This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
      Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

      If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
      God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

  12. QUESTION:
    What causes obstructive sleep apnea in children that already have their adenoids & tonsils out?
    If adenoids and tonsils are out, what is the treatment? CPAP only?

    • ANSWER:
      Although adenoids and tonsils are the most common cause, problems with deviated septum, collapseable soft tissue in the neck, and underbite can be causes as well, and may be amendable to treatment surgically.

      CPAP is a good treatment, but if there's any other surgical intervention it should be considered first especially for someone young.

  13. QUESTION:
    What can I do, I am very obese and have obstructive sleep apnea every day is hell for me?
    I feel my health is very bad and I am approved for LAP BAND

    what can I do in the meantime I sleep alot but I never feel rested and have anxiety attacks
    and depression due to my obesity I need to wait another 2 months or so for surgewry

    • ANSWER:
      Never sacrifice being healthy by not eating! That comment was not okay. Getting the proper amount of exercise and eating healthy is the key. You can check this site for more tips on getting healthy. www.FischerFit.com

  14. QUESTION:
    Can my general practicioner doctor do anything about my obstructive sleep apnea?
    I don't want to do the lap band surgery that he recommends..

    can he give me something a pill or something I only feel like I sleep 3-4 hours a day

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea comes from being overweight and losing weight can dramatically improve this. Wearing a CPAP mask at night to keep your airways open is also an option. There is no pill that will help with this because the use of sleeping pills will make you sleep deeper but only for 3-4 hours which, when in a deep sleep, makes your sleep apnea worse which makes you wake up more. You need to work on your weight with whatever method you and your doctor decide which can completely resolve this problem.

  15. QUESTION:
    should people drive who are being treated for obstructive sleep apnea?
    also is there amedicine other than provigil that helps sleep apne related deppresion?

    • ANSWER:
      No they should not be driving if their treatments are not working. However if there is some improvement there is no reason not to drive. The dangerous ones are those who have severe sleep apnea, are not diagnosed or in treatment, and do no know enough to pull over and nap when they feel drowsy.

      I am on provigil and it does seem to help my alertness during my mind numbing job. So far though I don't know if No Doz pills would be just as good. Certainly a lot cheaper.

  16. QUESTION:
    i have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, should i have the surgery or used the cpap machine.?
    i am a 37 yr old truck driver and; yes, i am obese. i've tried diet and exercise. but while driving and the sleepy or tired feeling comes down on me i snack to stay awake, usually un healthy snacks like chocolate and caffiene and chips and sodas. if anyone has any experience or opinions i am open for suggestions.

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients has a very low success rate because the internal body fat is what causes the obstruction. Surgery is limited to the soft palate, and it will not help because the blockage is in the pharynx (lower throat).
      You really need to use the CPAP mask.
      Snack on apples, baby carrots, pears, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and the like.
      I have a friend who drove long-haul loads and kept busy eating good stuff. He said it really helped get rid of the constipation truckers suffer, too. He kept a small cooler in his rig.
      It's actually cheaper to go the fresh fruit and vegetable route than buying junk food.
      The problem you're having with sleepiness may actually be made worse by consuming sugary snacks, because your blood sugar isn't steady as it would be by eating healthy snacks. Yours probably spikes, then goes WAY down because you are eating "simple sugars". That will cause severe fatigue.

  17. QUESTION:
    "How severe can the obstructive sleep apnea be?

    • ANSWER:
      Very. I have severe sleep apnea and it kinda shut down puberty. I found out I had sleep apnea when I was 40.

      Problems for undiagnosed sleep apnea include weight gain, physical problems, sleepiness.

      Nowadays its more well known. When I was a kid they didn't even have a therapy for it, even if they knew you had it!

      The sleep titration study, the hospital gig where they find out if you have it, is easy. The therapy, a machine that helps you sleep, is easy. So get that taken care of!

  18. QUESTION:
    I have sleep obstructive apnea and I'm only in my twenties...?
    What treatment options are there besides cpap cause I really don't want to have to use the face mask every night. Plus I was wondering if sleep apnea could cause anxiety and breathing difficulty during the day. I have been checked out by several doctors and I don't have any other serious conditions but I'm worried about the long term effects and complications of sleep apnea. I want to lose weight I heard that could help significantly(I'm about 50 lbs overweight).

    • ANSWER:

  19. QUESTION:
    I have been diagnosed with Obstructive sleep apnea?
    Hi all i have just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea i start CPAP in a month does anyone know what make and model the CPAP Machine the NHS use please
    Thank you
    please help

    • ANSWER:
      There is at least one report online that the NHS supplies the RemStar Plus model CPAP machine.

      Quote:
      "They supplied a Remstar Plus and Ultra Mirage Mask, I was fitted by the sleep nurse and well you can guess the rest … but I will say it was exceptional service and care for all those involved."

  20. QUESTION:
    How can I get rid of my Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      surgery or with a CPAP machine at home for breathing. If you are overweight, try losing some pounds. Sleep with your neck hyper-extended (tip your head all the way back), this forces the airway open for mouth breathing. Talk to your doctor for choices that are available to you.

  21. QUESTION:
    I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) I am using an APAP but what worries me is the dreams?
    2 or 4 times a night I dream of dead people, dying, getting killed, that kind of warm and fuzzy thing. Could this be me having an episode and the APA not functioning right?

    • ANSWER:
      What could be happening is, the settings are too low. It's possible that every time you have one of these dreams you're having an apnea episode. This could possibly be dangerous.
      You should talk to your doctor

  22. QUESTION:
    Would obstructive sleep apnea disqualify me from passing overseas screening for a navy London assignment?
    My navy husband and I are scheduled to move (PCS) to London, England. I have a few health issues like high blood pressure, but they're well managed and under control. However, now I've been told I'll need to use a BiPap machine (basically forced air to keep my airway open during sleep) for my apnea. Does anyone know if this will put me into the Exceptional Family Member category? We're all so excited about this assignment, and I'd hate to lose it over this.

    • ANSWER:
      my uncle has sleep apnia, (however you spell it) and just so you know, he has been to iraq and back and is doing just fine, it shouldnt hold you back from going, but it is always a possibility.... hopefully all goes well and you will be able to go though.

  23. QUESTION:
    Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    Hello, my name is Josh and I an currently 14 years old. My parents told me I recently started to snore around 1 week ago all suddenly. Not just regular snoring but I pause 10-20 seconds. I researched this and came up with obstructive sleep apnea. Most people with OSA are obese or old. I am 5'5" and weigh 101 pounds. What can I do to treat it?

    • ANSWER:
      Your parents need to make an appointment with your physician, to run some tests. My son was born with obstructive sleep apnea, and was in the NICU for 2 weeks. It got better over time. Hes now almost 3 and a lot better!

  24. QUESTION:
    can anyone help me find information about Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associates with Neuropsychological
    I need to find out information about Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associates with Neuropsychological Deficits and Neuronal Brain Injury for my Health class, can anyone help me?

    • ANSWER:
      Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea

      http://www.entnet.org/KidsENT/apnea.cfm

      For really (really) indepth information, check here:

      http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1551912

  25. QUESTION:
    Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the military?
    Is it possible for a Marine in the Inactive Reserve to be recalled after having been diagnosed with OSA and requires the use of a CPAP?
    more specifically, this condition was diagnosed by the VA, not a civilian doctor. Is this a condition that would not allow me to return to active duty?

    • ANSWER:
      Your inactive reserve the only way you would be called up is in a national emergency but I believe you are supposed to keep your unit informed of any medical problems that could prevent you from going active duty. I would suggest you contact your commanding officer to schedule a medical exam and bring any copies of paperwork from your civilian doctor with the diagnosis and what medications you are taking.

  26. QUESTION:
    Obstructive sleep apnea --- surgery?
    Has anyone had surgery for obstructive sleep apnea? I may need to get it. What can I expect?

    • ANSWER:
      nothing idk what to say to this one haha

  27. QUESTION:
    My husband has severe obstructive sleep apnea, and has to have a machine to help him at night,what can i expec

    • ANSWER:
      While the noise may bother you in the beginning; keep in mind that the person next to you is the love of your life, and you will do anything to keep him with you as long as possible! Now give him a big hug for me and thank God for each day. Good luck to you both!

  28. QUESTION:
    Can obstructive sleep apnea be cured by operation?If so is the operation an easy process or is it complicated?

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery is normally a last option. CPAP is the primary treatment. There are some types of OSA that need surgery but by far most don't. There are many types of OSA that surgery won't help and I personally know two people who got the surgery (one twice) and it hasn't helped, they are both still on CPAP and have decided it's not so bad afterall. There can be serious complications from throat surgery and virtually no risks with CPAP. I know one who got the surgery and it worked for but he said that the recovery was very unpleseant. I think biblical terms came to mind.
      Using a CPAP can take some getting used to but is woth it. I took to it right away because I loved the newfound energy and alertness I received from it.
      I was tested and diagnosed with OSA after my wife saw mw stop breathing for more than 30 seconds one night. It turned out I have severe sleep apnea averaging over 90 inteuptions per hour anywhere from 10 seconds to over a minute. I never got passed stage two sleep into stages 3 and 4 where your restorative sleep takes place and REM wasn't even on the horizon. It was a split study so the first half of the night, I was tested without any assistance. The second half was with a CPAP controlled by the tech in the control room. When I woke up the next morning after getting just 3 1/2 hours of quality sleep, I was on cloud nine ready to do everything I could find time to do!
      I'm actually going in for a test this evening to see if after 2 1/2 years there needs to be any adjustments in my pressure, I've begun snoring through the CAPA a little now and then. Tonight will be with CPAP all night as I have learned that I now don't sleep without the CPAP. We had a power failure recently and I just couldn't sleep well at all. I've come to love my CPAP and travel with it.
      If CPAP will work for you, I would not even consider doing surgery.

  29. QUESTION:
    This question is in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and people who have had surgery to correct it.?
    I have 3 options to choose from and one of them is surgery which is probably what I will opt for as my insurance will pay for it. How long was your surgery? What was your recovery time? We're there certain things you couldn't do during your recovery time such as not being able to eat certain foods for example. Anything you can tell me would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your time.

    • ANSWER:
      I have a friend who had a surgery for her sleep apnea. She was given a 3 weeks off sick from work to recover from her surgery. The surgery lasted about 2 hours including the time in the recovery room. She can't blow her nose after the surgery. Bleeding was also a problem after but that will actually stop. You have to drink and gargle cold water to help stop the bleeding. My friend have already recovered and does not suffer from sleep apnea after the surgery.

  30. QUESTION:
    How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea impact cirrhosis and high blood pressure?
    My 60-yr. old husband has Cirrhosis of the liver, High blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis and severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea - and depression, as a result. I worry in particular because he refuses to use his sleep mask, so for now the sleep apnea seems to be his biggest hurdle, along with depression. He was diagnosed with Cirrhosis over 2 yrs. ago, Stage 4. He stopped drinking, and his liver got better; he still takes meds for that. His blood pressure is controlled with meds, and his RA has all but crippled his knees. I've tried everything to get him to try the newer, lighter sleep masks, get a new sleep study, or at least consult a dr. for the apnea. (He hasn't seen a dr. for that since diagnoses 15 yrs. ago.) He won't even consider any treatment for the apnea; he's just given up on it. He wakes up countless times during sleep; stops breathing over 100 times per sleep cycle, according to his last sleep study 15 yrs. ago. I'm at a loss here..any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:

  31. QUESTION:
    I have obstructive sleep apnea. Will a tonsillectomy completely improve my quality of life?
    I have always had trouble sleeping and continually waking up. Even if I sleep a full 8 hours on weekends I still wake up feeling groggy and with a headache. I feel tired and sluggish throughout the day, and usually feel too tired to work out or engage in much physical activity. This has been going on my whole life. I had a sleep study done and I have obstructive sleep apnea, so my body never gets into the very deep stages of restorative sleep. I tried a bipap machine and I can't sleep with it on. Now I have a tonsillectomy and uvulectomy scheduled in a few months. Assuming that the surgery is successful and I can sleep well and deeply afterwards, how much will it effect my qualirty of life. Will I feel 100% better like a whole new person or will there likely just be moderate improvement? Can someone who has had this surgery let me know?

    • ANSWER:
      my moms husband has had 2 types of surgery and the sleep apnea has still not improved. He had his tonsils cut out and his throat widened. It was a painful surgery and did him no good.

      I hear it can help some people, so I really hope it works out for you...but it didn't work for him.

  32. QUESTION:
    Obstructive Sleep Apnea: CPAP Machines vs. Oral Appliance Therapy?
    My father has Obstructive Sleep Apnea and will be going in for a sleep study soon so I am looking at CPAP Machines and doing research.

    My father came across an add for this "Oral Appliance Therapy" thing and I am wondering if you have any info on if it works or if it is a scam.

    Oral Appliance Therapy

    http://www.tiredofcpap.com/

    I'm looking at the CPAP Machines and if you could share your stories with me, I would greatly appreciate it!
    Obstructive Sleep Apnea Info:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstructive_Sleep_Apnea

    • ANSWER:
      The first thing to do is let your dad get his polysomnogram done and find the results of how severe his sleep apnea is.

      CPAP is the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea, because it can be titrated or individually set on the optimum pressure to preserve your father's upper airways at night. The brand of CPAP machine isn't as important as having a quality titration done to arrive at the proper pressure for him, and finding the right mask type that makes him the most comfortable and likely to wear the system consistently all night, every night.

      Oral devices are for very mild cases of sleep apnea. However, I would be very wary of any devices that are mail-order/internet. These devices are usually prescribed and fitted by a dentist or ENT specially trained in their use. Any device that is 'plug and play' without being fitted is a scam.

  33. QUESTION:
    Obstructive sleep apnea?
    My dad seems to often get food or dry k 'going down the wrong way' and in the night, he is often woken up with the inability to breathe, he says it feels like the epiglottis has flapped the wrong way and is obstructed his breathing. I read that people with obstructive sleep apnea are often not woken up by these episodes, snore loudly, followed by a pause where they stop breathing up to 10 seconds, and the snort as they get their breath back. But my dad sometimes wakes up, and the epiglottis still hasn't 'flapped back' and he is still unable to breathe. This scares me a lot.
    Anyone know what this is?
    Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      Magnesium and folic acid could help against sleep apnea. google to see for yourself!

  34. QUESTION:
    What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    Is it associated with breathlessness and snoring while sleeping? What are the other symptoms? What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea? What are the remedies easily available? Is the lack of adequate sleep/rest a factor?

    • ANSWER:
      Obstructive sleep apnea is when the muscles in the throat relax and close during your sleep, it interrupts your breathing in interrupts your sleep. Load snoring, stopped breathing gasping in your sleep are signs. Waking up with headaches, tired through the day and trouble staying awake. The only real home remedy for it is if you are overweight to lose weight, if you are a smoker to quit smoking. But these are not sure ways of curring it. To find out if you are suffering from sleep apnea talk to you Dr. about your symptoms and or go to a respiratory specialist and the can schedule a sleep study. The treatment for sleep apnea is either a cpap or a bi-pap machine to assist you will sleeping. What they do is keep air pressure in your throat will you sleep to keep it from closing up and interfering with your sleep. There is also a surgery which is very painful and not guaranteed to work.

      It is a serious condition can lead to high blood pressure and even an enlarged heart. I highly advise seeking professional help if you suspect you have it

  35. QUESTION:
    tonsil-ectomy and obstructive sleep apnea?
    I beleive i have obstructive sleep apnea, thats what it feels like when i wake up-like the top of my throat is being blocked. i have heard having your tonsils and adenoids removed can "cure" this. has anyone had this procedure or knows of any articles relating to it? i have had this for years and think my health would be MUCH better if i were to be able to "cure" it.

    also, i am overweight but didn't used to be and still had sleep apnea. will a doctor require me to lose weight before i get this surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi, Jessica!

      You said that you are overweight, but you didn't used to be. Well, this is one of the many side effects of sleep apnea. If you are skinny, but you have sleep apnea, you can be overweight in the future.

      And you know what? Your throat may be blocked because of the fat stored in your neck. So, maybe you give a chance to your tonsils and try instead to loose weight. You can use a CPAP to help you breathe in the night.

  36. QUESTION:
    Is this obstructive sleep apnea?
    I wake up at least three times a night struggling to breathe. It usually starts when I'm dreaming (hat's when I notice that I have a hard time breathing). I usually didn't think much of it until last night when I felt like I was going to die by asphyxiation. I have a doctor's appointment in three weeks but until then, is there anything that I can do?

    btw: I'm 16 but I've read that obstructive sleep apnea usually occurs in middle-aged people. Can this be something else?

    • ANSWER:
      you can't tell that way go to a doctor!!!

  37. QUESTION:
    HELP! I suffer obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which I am likely to stop breathing when I'm asleep, I may die?
    I suffer obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This disease means you are likely to stop breathing unconsciously which you may die before you notice you are suffocated... Any body know about it?
    The doctor told me it's a slight one and it doesn't matter if I make proper homecare.
    I need imformation to find any health products or health tips to get me better. Any health periodicals or magazines or healthcare websites are beneficial to me. Million thanks to you!!!
    I need some periodicals or magazines or any other healthcare publications or healthcare websites!!! Thanks!!

    • ANSWER:
      Hello!

      I have mild obstructive sleep apnea. But even if it's a mild disorder, sleep apnea can be deadly.

      Sleep apnea death may appear in case you don't treat yourself for a long period of time. So I started to treat myself, to not let this illness become worse.

      Maybe you want to know how can sleep apnea kill you...Here are the most common causes:
      -congestive heart failure during sleep
      -stroke
      -fatal arrhythmia
      -cardiovascular disease
      -long pauses in sleep, or cessation of breathing
      -workplace and automobile accidents

      Babies are in danger to die from sleep apnea. There is sudden infant death syndrome, which is an unexplained and fatal syndrome that affects babies under 1 year of age.

      I hope it helps.

  38. QUESTION:
    my sleep study says negative for obstructive sleep apnea?
    does that mean i have central sa. what can i do for it. cpap is not helping

    • ANSWER:
      Your question lacks crucial information to give a meaningful answer but hopefully this helps you in that direction.

      A sleep study generally is done in one of three ways.

      A limited study often just uses a finger pulse oximeter and measures blood oxygen saturation as well as heart rate. This can only rule in OSA but not rule it out. Oxygen dips of 4% or more are looked for as they tend to correspond with an apnea or hypopnea event. Great care must be taken that the sleep technician understands sampling rates and software extrapolation algorithms to correctly 'score' the sleep study. This type of study is no good for detecting Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). It's often done in-home.

      A multi-channel study can be done in home or at the sleep lab. This also measures blood oxygen levels and heart rate but adds airflow through a nasal cannula, and often chest effort and body position. With the extra data channels recorded, this can distinguish obstructive events from central sleep apnoea. Hypopnea's are better detected too.

      Lastly, a polysomnogram (PSG) is a full blown sleep study including all the above plus wires to measure brainwaves and so on. It's the most comprehensive and always done in the lab.

      If you are overweight, you snore and feel tired in the day and the pulse oximetry study came out negative, they should do a multi-channel or PSG with you. If it was already such a more comprehensive test and OSA was ruled out, did they comment on CSA at all?

      If you are still tired in the day and CPAP doesn't work, it can be any of a number of other sleep disorders, such as periodic limb movement etc. Or not a sleep disorder at all but for example problems with thyroid function.

      So if you have reasons to suspect OSA, witnessed apnea events, snoring etc. ask to go up a level in sleep diagnostics with a more in-depth study. This may be able to confirm CSA or a different sleep disorder altogether after which the correct therapy can be prescribed. indeed BiLevel may be more appropriate or in case of PLMS, some form of medication can work very well.

  39. QUESTION:
    Will they give me a CPAP machine right away after I am diagnozed with obstructive sleep apnea?
    I was diagnozed, but I dunno why they have not called me.. I think I qualify for a CPAP my insurance covers it.. will they give it to me right away cos i'm having extreme daytime fatigue due to OSA

    • ANSWER:

  40. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to think you are sleeping good and still have obstructive sleep apnea?
    I was recently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The results of my sleep study showed up to 60 events per hour which is considered severe osa. From what I understand, when a stoppage in breathing occurs, your body wakes you from deep sleep in order to re-open the airway. When my doctor suggested I get checked for sleep apnea I thought there was no way I had it because even though I am a heavy snorer, I don't wake up a lot during the night. Also, I have vivid recollection of long dreams which, correct me if I'm wrong, occur during deep sleep. So, how can I sleep uninterrupted and have vivid dreams if my deep sleep is constantly being interrupted? I am by no means trying to second guess my doctor, I am just trying to understand this.
    Yes, thank you. Like I said, I'm not second guessing the doctor. My cpap machine is on order.
    And yes, I do see the irony in asking this question in the respiratory disease category at the same time that my profile picture is a guy with a hundred cigarettes in his mouth. Rest assured it isn't a picture of me. Its just a random picture I found.

    • ANSWER:

  41. QUESTION:
    I am skinny and don't snore, could I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    I don't have any symptoms other than i wake up exhausted,
    like I didn't sleep. It doesnt happen every day, esp if I get
    9 or more hours of sleep I feel okay. But If I get less than
    8 - 8 1/2 i feel like I am going to die!!

    I don't snore, never have, and im thin (BMI of 19.4)
    Wondering If i could have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
    anyways? If so is it uncommon?

    I have also considered Adrenal burnout.

    How much does it cost to have a sleep study done?
    (uninsured)

    Thanks
    My husband or daughter have never said I have snored when I asked. They said the most I ever do is breathe heavy, but never snore.

    • ANSWER:
      Some thin people do have sleep apnea.

      How do you know you don't snore?

      Do you have your adenoids? Some people have sleep apnea that is stopped by getting their adenoids removed.

      There are other sleep disorders besides sleep apnea.

      I'm not sure about the cost of a sleep study, sorry. You'll have to talk to a doctor about that.

  42. QUESTION:
    where can i get a surgery done for my 5yr old for obstructive sleep apnea as soon as possible! in chicago.?
    my son has been snoring all night and he's been having lapses of non breathing. i made research of what is obstructive sleep apnea and his pediatician has diagnose that his tonsils are large. i need an appointment as soon as possible for him. i'm pregnant and i'm due on july 29th, all the clinics i've called have appointments until june, july and even september! i cant wait until then i need something faster than that before i give birth. we are tire of not getting any sleep at night, someone please help!
    gg83* do u think i'm taking this as if i'm the one tire of not sleeping. i'm concern about my child's sleep. i'm desperete to find a resolution, he has been like this since december! yes i have an appointment for him at childrens memorial hospital but its until jul 24th, all i'm asking is if someone knows a hospital that can make me an appointment as soon as possible. and i know i'm not ill, i dont sleep at night all i do is change him possitions when he is grasping for air. and if i ask for help in this place is because i think there are some people that really do care and want to help out a mother...

    • ANSWER:
      Talk to his pediatrician this is the way to find out what to do not Yahoo answers.

  43. QUESTION:
    Can OSA (Obstructive Sleep apnea ) be regarded as a disability ?
    I have been disagnosed with a chronic version of this sleep disorder and need to know if I have to declare it on forms etc

    • ANSWER:
      No. OSA is only disabling if you choose not to use the therapies available to you. And even then most insurance companies, Social Security, etc will not acknowledge OSA as a true disability.

  44. QUESTION:
    What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
    I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

      I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

      The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

      It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

      My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

      I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

  45. QUESTION:
    what are the risk and remedies for obstructive sleep apnea stage4?

    • ANSWER:
      Risks for sleep apnea..well worst case, Death
      rememdies, their are tons of "homemade" remedies. some people put tennis balls in socks and sleep with that behind their neck at night. The best thing is to wear a CPAP machine. this machine hooks to a mask and you wear the mask. they make full face (which covers mouth and nose), nose masks (which only cover the nose) and nasal cushions which fit right inside the nostril. The machine creates a constant pressure which helps keep the airway open. Thus preventing you from going apneic. You should notice a huge difference in your lifestyle. These machines let people get rest and sleep without being woke up by snoring or by lake of oxygen.

      hope this helps

  46. QUESTION:
    Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
    I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

    • ANSWER:
      Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

  47. QUESTION:
    I have sleep apnea and bipolar depression. Will correcting the apnea improve the depression?
    I have bipolar, although it's mild I think. I frequently go back and forth between depressed and normal. I also have obstructive sleep apnea and have always had trouble sleeping. I'm having my tonsils out in 3 months to correct the problem. Will alleviating the apnea help stabilize my moods as well?

    • ANSWER:
      Probably not. Bipolar is caused by an imbalance of norepinephrine. You might get better sleep and that could help you feel better. I would talk to your doctor about your depression. Have you ever been diagnosed with bipolar? Because you need to have had a manic or hypomanic episode to be considered bipolar. I think you might just have depression. Bipolar isn't between normal and sad, it's between manic, normal, mixed, and depression. Talk to a doctor and get some professional help.

  48. QUESTION:
    My daughter has bad breath at night with a little snoring. No obstructive sleep apnea.?
    This sweet little angel of mine has some really bad breath after sleeping. Obviously not gingivitis, yet. What causes bad breath in kids during sleep? Daytime breath is fine.
    Betty Boop, you appear to know exactly what I'm talking about!

    Wicked whatever, are you serious? Why would I be so close to my daughter's face when she is asleep? I'm sorry that you've lived a life that has left you with such issues.

    • ANSWER:
      I know what your talking about. Yes everyone has morning breathe but hers is worse Right? I had this same problem all my life ny mom did nothing just the brush your teeth sometimes 4 to 5 times a day to see if this helped. Guess what it didnt it was like I never brushed my teeth. I then had a girl same problem. Took her to the doctor when she was sick he looked at her tonsils and sent us to a specialist. when we seen him she wasnt sick anymore but her tonsils were huge. he asked if she snores, has bad breathe, wets the bed sometimes. If she is really groggy in the mornings. I said yes. He then looked in my mouth and out came two sets of tonsils. Now we dont have the nasty morning breathe (depending what we eat) no more snoring no more bed wetting for her and no more being groggy in the morning.

      Look in her mouth and see how be her tonsils are this could be the problem.

  49. QUESTION:
    Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
    My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

    • ANSWER:
      PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

      Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

      Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

      But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

      The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

      That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

      There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

      So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

      Good luck.
      For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

      http://www.sleepassociation.org/

  50. QUESTION:
    Do I have sleep apnea or should I stop smoking?
    I can get 10 hours of sleep and still feel very tired in the morning, come to think about it, I don't think I've woken up feeling refreshed in years. I had my tonsils out to prevent 'obstructive sleep apnea' and it has helped with sore throats but hasn't made my sleeping patterns any different. When I fall asleep, I stay asleep, rarely wake up and rarely move even though I am an extremely light sleeper always. I try to go to bed and wake up at the same times. It's like I'm exhausted every single evening from a normal day. Do I have sleep apnea or could it be caused by smoking cigarettes?

    • ANSWER:
      Could be both, easier/cheapest thing to do to get somewhat of an idea as to what is going on is to quit smoking and see if that makes a difference.

      I recently quit smoking and noticed a huge difference in breathing but has not helped my sleep apnea (still wake myself up snoring) but I do feel more refreshed on a daily basis.

      (I quit smoking with the laser procedure)


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