Obstructive apnea is a type of breathing disorder that occurs when breathing is interrupted during sleep due to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This blockage is usually caused by a collapse of soft tissue in the back of the neck, which can be caused by factors such as obesity, certain anatomical abnormalities, or relaxed neck muscles during sleep.
During obstructive sleep apnea, the patient is still trying to breathe but is unable to because the airway is blocked. This causes a decrease in blood oxygen levels and may cause brief awakenings from sleep as the body attempts to resume breathing. These awakenings can lead to sleep disturbances and cause symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Obstructive apnea is commonly associated with snoring and is a common type of sleep-disordered breathing. It is more common in men, older adults, and people who are overweight or obese.
Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea may include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss or posture therapy, as well as positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances, or surgery to open the airway and prevent soft tissue collapse during sleep.