Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a common sleep disorder characterized by noisy breathing during sleep, caused by the vibration of the tissues in the throat and upper airway. It occurs when the airflow through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose is partially blocked, leading to the sound of snoring.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a more severe form of sleep-disordered breathing. It occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing for brief periods of time, ranging from a few seconds to over a minute. This can lead to a drop in oxygen levels in the body and cause the person to wake up multiple times during the night, resulting in poor sleep quality. OSA is commonly characterized by loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a serious condition that can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.