28 February 2019 Author : João Valença Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a respiratory disease characterised by recurrent episodes of pharyngeal collapse. These episodes occur during sleep , leading to complete (apnoea) or incomplete (hypopnoea) obstruction. What are the characteristics of sleep apnoea? Besides causing great social annoyance, given the characteristic snoring it leads to, sleep apnoea can lead to serious cardiovascular problems , among other diseases. Causes of respiratory stoppages: Decreased blood oxygenation; Frequent unconscious awakenings. Although patients manage to sleep, the brain does not rest. The prevalence of sleep apnoea in Portugal is not known. However, international studies indicate that levels of the condition are high; it is estimated that the problem affects 4% to 6% of men and 2% to 3% of women and is more frequent between those aged 40 to 60 . Obesity is undoubtedly an important risk factor. What are the signs of the disease? Sleep apnoea symptoms that occur during sleep: Snoring; Breaks or stoppage in breathing (apnoea); Waking up with a feeling of suffocation; Insomnia; Agitated sleep; The need to urinate. Sleep apnoea symptoms that occur when the patient is awake: Excessive sleepiness (chronic fatigue, the need to drink more coffee or tea every day, falling asleep in various situations, e.g. when reading, watching television, in waiting rooms, during meetings, at the cinema, in cars or other methods of transport, eating, talking to other people or even driving); Feeling that sleep is not restorative; Increased irritability; Lack of attention, memory or the capacity for concentration; Sexual problems, such as lack of libido or impotence. How is sleep apnoea diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is made by polygraph recording during sleep at night. The treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome includes general measures and, depending on each case, specific intervention. General advice: Lose weight; Do not drink alcohol after lunch; Stop smoking; Do not take sleeping medicines; Get enough sleep (at least seven hours). Specific treatment of this syndrome includes the use of a device which, during sleep, provides air with positive pressure on the upper airways , by means of a mask. It is usually indicated for moderate and severe cases . In selected cases, oral devices can be used. Surgery may be indicated for the treatment of mild forms . Timely diagnosis and proper treatment make it possible to radically change the scenario described above, with a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life. Sleep apnoea: why is it a social problem? When left untreated, this syndrome can have important social and cardiovascular consequences. Principal problems associated with sleep apnoea: Increased risk of accidents: approximately 7 times that of the general population; Increased use of health resources: in particular, more consultations with doctors, hospital admissions and drugs; Increased risk of: angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, sudden death and diabetes; Possible marital and family problems: resulting from snoring, mood changes and sexual disorders; High blood pressure: often difficult to control; Decreased productivity. Alcohol intake, even in small quantities, also makes excessive drowsiness more likely. Meet the pulmonology from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
