Obstructive sleep apnea: Causes and Symptoms
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the airway is blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing or shallow breaths. This phenomenon causes a decrease in blood oxygen levels, leading to continuous disruptions in sleep, although the patient is often unaware of it. OSA not only affects sleep quality but is also closely related to many serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and the risk of stroke. Understanding the causes and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is the first step to timely detection and treatment. Common causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea OSA can arise from various factors. Here are the common causes: Narrow throat structure : Some people have a naturally narrower airway structure, such as a long uvula, large tonsils, or thick soft palate. This makes it difficult for air to flow when sleeping. Obesity : Fat accumulation around the throat narrows the airw...