Addressing Obstructive Sleep Apnea

By Elizabeth Kornegay, CDA, RDH, MS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 26% of adults between the ages of 30 and 70 in the United States.¹ It occurs when an apnea or hypopnea causes the anatomical structures in the back of the throat (tongue, soft palate, and uvula) to collapse during sleep.² An apnea is a full obstruction of the airway, causing the cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds. Hypopnea is a partial obstruction of breathing, where the airflow to the lungs is reduced. Due to the obstruction and lack of airflow, the body responds by increasing respiratory effort.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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