What Is The Difference Between OSA and Central Sleep Apnea?

The way we breathe is undoubtedly one of the many elements that go into a restful night’s sleep. One of the sleeping problems that impair your ability to breathe at night is sleep apnea, which is much more serious than most people realize. About 22-million Americans have sleep apnea, a condition that is still poorly understood. Many people aren’t even aware that there is more than one type of sleep apnea, namely central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Each form of sleep apnea has a unique set of causes; without the right diagnosis and care, they can result in several major health issues. Because of this, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

What is OSA?

When your upper airway is partially or fully obstructed while you sleep, this is called obstructive sleep apnea. Because of this restriction, your diaphragm and chest muscles have to work harder to clear the obstacle and let air into your lungs.

Usually, this obstruction is brought on by the throat muscles momentarily relaxing as you sleep and narrowing the airway. Throughout the course of the night, this muscular collapse occurs again and frequently, though not always entirely and can awaken people. Compared to CSA, obstructive sleep apnea is the more prevalent type of sleep apnea.

What are the Symptoms of OSA?

If you notice that you are having trouble sleeping you should talk to your ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT). They will be able to talk to about the symptoms you are experiencing and help you find the right treatment options. When sleeping, OSA symptoms and indicators that you should look out for:

• Loud snoring
• Snorting when asleep
• Waking up during the night
• Feelings of gasping for air
• Turning and tossing in bed
• Sudden jerky movements

The Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing obstructive sleep apnea. Studies show that decreasing weight by only 10% can also decrease the respiratory disturbance index by 26%; therefore, revealing a clear connection between excess weight and sleep apnea.

Yet, other factors can also put you at risk of developing OSA:

• Thicker neck circumference
• Narrow throat and airways
• Nasal congestion
• Smoking
• Use of alcohol
• Use of sedatives

An ENT doctor can help treat obstructive sleep apnea and provide relief through different methods.

What Does It Mean to Have Central Sleep Apnea?

The brain’s inability to communicate with the breathing muscles results in central sleep apnea. This disrupts the patient’s breathing, which prevents the body and brain from getting sufficient oxygen when sleeping. While less common than OSA, central sleep apnea can be just as dangerous.

CSA is frequently linked to serious illnesses, especially those that impact your lower brain stem, which regulates your breathing. With babies, CSA causes respiratory pauses that can last up to 20 seconds.

What are the Symptoms of Central Sleep Apnea?

While people with central sleep apnea typically do not snore to the same extent as those with obstructive sleep apnea, the symptoms of central sleep apnea are comparable to those of obstructive sleep apnea. More often than not, partners or people who live in the same household can help identify some of the most significant symptoms, such as snoring or stop breathing, which are essential to diagnose sleep apnea.

Who Is at Risk of Developing CSA?

Medical issues, such as metabolic disorders, trauma, brain tumors, heart failure or stroke, might lead to central sleep apnea. The most common risk factors for central sleep apnea include:

• Being an older male
• Stroke
• Heart disorders
• Using narcotic pain medications such as opioids and methadone.

When Should You Seek Help for Sleep Apnea?

It can be tough to know for sure whether you have sleep apnea if nobody is there to comment about snoring or interrupted breathing at night. If you are unsure, you may want to try recording your sleep patterns.

Additionally, an ENT doctor can also help diagnose your condition. In the event that sleep apnea is linked to an obstruction of the airways, an ENT doctor can be crucial in finding relief through the removal of excess tissue in the throat or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night. Other treatments are also available to help free or straighten the airways for better breathing at night. Furthermore, many patients can find relief by improving their existing health conditions via weight loss or addressing underlying issues.

It is important to note that central sleep apnea, which is linked to the brain’s signals, can also be addressed using a CPAP machine. Do you suspect you have sleep apnea? Don’t hesitate to reach out to ENT Physicians Inc., call us today at (419) 318-4987.