Reasons of stopping breathing in sleep
Apnoea – a condition associated with a short-term cessation of air supply to the lungs during sleep lasting from 10 to 30 seconds. In some cases, breathing delay can last for about a minute. The reasons for stopping breathing in sleep are very diverse. Anatomical and acquired apnea are distinguished. Doctors include obesity, pathologies of the structure of the nose and pharynx, as well as adenoids. Among the acquired ones, it should be noted the curvature of the nasal septum, the swelling of the mucous membrane due to allergic rhinitis, and the growth of the lower part of the concha.
Types of apnea:
- central apnea (stoppage of air flow into the lungs, the cause of which is the lack of respiratory effort);
- obstructive (stopping of breathing is associated with temporary obstruction of the upper respiratory tract);
- mixed or complex.
Treatment of sleep apnea depends on the cause and degree of the disease.
How dangerous is apnea
Hypoxia – the main danger is apnea. A decrease in the oxygen level to a minimum can cause disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. In a person with such a diagnosis, blood pressure instability is observed, the heart rhythm is disturbed, and the course of chronic diseases is complicated. The development of atherosclerosis, ischemia and stroke occur much more often in people suffering from apnea.
Clinical manifestations
In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic, manifested only by increased fatigue during the day. But mostly the symptoms are pronounced. Among the manifestations, nocturnal and daytime symptoms are distinguished.
Night manifestations:
- restless sleep and awakening from suffocation;
- snoring;
- attacks of fear and insomnia;
- increased sweating;
- increased salivation.
The daytime symptoms of apnea include:
- apathy and drowsiness;
- decreased attention;
- headaches and heartaches;
- dry mouth;
- lability of behavior.
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Obstructive apnea in children
The causes of obstructive apnea syndrome in children can be congenital metabolic disorders, infection, perinatal asphyxia, intracranial bleeding, adenoids, necrotizing enterocolitis, and taking certain medications. In newborns, the most common cause of this condition is unformed breathing regulation mechanisms. Congenital anomalies with deformation of the skull can also trigger apnea. Parents who notice a temporary stoppage of breathing in a child should immediately consult a pediatrician, preferably an otolaryngologist. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
The following measures will help reduce the risk of apnea in a child:
- sleep in a well-ventilated room with a temperature not higher than 22 degrees;
- orthopedic mattress;
- calm environment before sleep;
- light dinner 2 hours before bedtime.
Treatment of sleep apnea
Basic treatment – this is the elimination of the disease that caused the apnea. If the culprits are enlarged tonsils, adenoids and curvature of the nasal septum, the doctor will recommend surgery. In case of obesity, it is necessary to normalize the weight. A course of sedatives and a consultation with a psychologist will help with psychological problems. With rhinitis of any etiology, conservative therapy is indicated. The laxity of the pharynx muscles will be corrected by the radio wave method.
If you are concerned about this problem, make an appointment with our specialists. The doctor will help establish the cause of the disease, answer the question "night apnea– what is it?», will select the most effective course of treatment and monitor its implementation. Remember that ignoring any disease can lead to serious health problems that are not always treatable.
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