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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > O > Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; Sleep apnea syndrome; Sleep apnea

Symptoms

  • It is important to emphasize that often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnea does not remember the episodes of apnea during the night.  The predominant symptoms are usually associated with excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep during the night.  Often, family members, especially spouses, witness the periods of apnea.
  • loud snoring
  • periods of not breathing (apnea)
  • awakening not rested in the morning
  • abnormal daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropirate times
  • morning headaches
  • recent weight gain
  • limited attention
  • memory loss
  • poor judgment
  • personality changes
  • lethargy
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and Tests

A complete medical history taken by a health care practitioner is the most important diagnostic tool.  Often, a survey that asks a series of questions about daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and bedtime habits is given.

A physical examination of the mouth, neck and throat (oropharynx) is important to detect abnormalities that may predispose.

Tests may include:

Ency. home > Disease > O > Obstructive sleep apnea

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