Sleep apnoea is a prevalent sleep disorder, and understanding its various types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The two primary forms of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA), differ in their underlying causes, symptoms, and approaches to management.
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA):
Causes:
OSA is the more common type of sleep apnoea and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep. This relaxation leads to a temporary obstruction or narrowing of the airway, restricting the flow of air.
Symptoms:
Individuals with OSA often experience loud and persistent snoring, intermittent pauses in breathing, and gasping or choking sounds as breathing resumes. These disruptions in breathing can lead to fragmented sleep, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Treatment approaches:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A widely used treatment involves using a machine that delivers a continuous stream of air, preventing the airway from collapsing.
- Oral appliances: Devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway.
2. Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA):
Causes:
CSA is less common and stems from a failure of the brain to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical obstruction in the airway. Instead, the lack of respiratory effort leads to pauses in breathing.
Symptoms:
Individuals with CSA may exhibit pauses in breathing without the characteristic snoring associated with OSA. CSA can lead to awakenings, disrupted sleep, and daytime symptoms such as fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Treatment approaches:
- Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): This therapy adjusts airway pressure based on detected breathing patterns, providing support as needed.
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): Delivers different airway pressures during inhalation and exhalation, assisting breathing.
Key differences:
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Underlying cause:
- OSA is primarily caused by physical blockage or narrowing of the airway.
- CSA results from a lack of respiratory effort due to a failure in the brain's signaling.
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Characteristic symptoms:
- OSA is often marked by loud snoring, choking sounds, and pauses in breathing.
- CSA may manifest as pauses in breathing without the accompanying snoring.
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Treatment approaches:
- OSA is commonly treated with CPAP or oral appliances.
- CSA may be addressed with ASV or BiPAP to assist respiratory effort.
Understanding the differences between OSA and CSA is essential for healthcare professionals to tailor interventions effectively. If someone experiences symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, seeking a comprehensive evaluation is crucial to determine the specific type and initiate appropriate treatment. Both forms of sleep apnea highlight the significance of addressing respiratory challenges during sleep to promote overall health and well-being.
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