Central Sleep Apnea And Obstructive Sleep Apnea Compared

Central And Obstructive Compared
By Rudy Watkins

There are two different types of - obstructive
(OSA) and central (CSA). There is also a third type known as
mixed which is a combination of the other two.

OSA occurs when something blocks a person's airway and doesn't
allow them to get the necessary amount of air while sleeping.
This can be caused by a number of things. Obesity is probably
the most common reason.

Overweight people have fatty tissue deposits in the neck and
throat area which can cause the throat to be blocked when lying
down. This restricts the airway and the airflow through it.

Other common causes of OSA include enlarged adenoids or
tonsils, allergies, nasal deformities and sleeping in a poor
position. Snoring is often a symptom of sleep apea as the
snoring is caused by the body struggling to get the necessary
amount of oxygen.

Central has similar symptoms but the causes are
different. CSA is actually quite rare - much more so than OSA.
People suffering from CSA have a problem with the timing in
their brain. It regulates the rest of the body, including
breathing. This timing does not "fire" properly in CSA patients,
causing a lack of oxygen while sleeping.

In both types of sleep apnea, the sufferer wakes up a number of
times over the course of a night, often

gasping or choking for
air. These interruptions in sleep can happen up to 100 times a
night, causing a lack of quality rest.

This can lead to headaches and sore throats the next day from a
lack of oxygen and the body's fighting to get more. There are
many other problems that result, such as drowsiness,
irritability and lack of concentration.

Sleep apnea sufferers can be affected in the workplace, in
their personal relationship and other areas where the emotional
and physical drain can cause problems.

High blood pressure is another common result of and
if it is not treated it can ultimately lead to a stroke or heart
disease. Anyone who is showing signs of these symptoms should
consult with their doctor for further advice, and more thorough
tests if the doctor deems it necessary.

About the Author: Rudy Watkins explains how to identify sleep
apnea symptoms on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful
information and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit
http://www.apneaguide.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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