underlying causes
Epigenetic factors
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
- Bottle feeding
- soft baby food
- Processed foods
- Thumb sucking
- pacifier usage
- allergies
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
- retracted maxilla,
- poor airway,
- weak oro-facial muscles
- weak tongue,
Lack of nasal breathing
Underdeveloped Upper and Lower Jaws
Lack of nasal breathing
- Mouthbreathing
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Asthma
- Birth abnormalities
- Tongue tie
- Low tongue position
- Reverse swallow
other risk factors of sleep apnea
excess weight
Obesity stands as one of the primary causes of sleep apnea. Research reveals that individuals classified as overweight (BMI of 25 to 29) and obese (BMI of 30 and above) face a heightened risk for OSA.
Numerous studies have highlighted correlations between the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and obesity. These studies indicate that obesity not only increases the likelihood of developing sleep apnea but also accelerates the progression of the condition with weight gain.
Even individuals classified as mildly overweight are at risk of experiencing obstructive apnea. However, research suggests that losing just 10% of body weight can lead to a significant decrease in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), a key indicator of sleep apnea severity.
These findings underscore the importance of weight management as an integral component of sleep apnea treatment and prevention.
enlarged adnoids and tonsils
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are frequently the leading cause of upper airway obstruction and, consequently, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. Tonsils are clusters of lymphatic/immune tissue located at the back of the throat, while adenoids serve as similar structures at the back of the nose.
Previous clinical research has consistently linked OSA in children with behavioral and sleep issues, decreased energy levels, and overall diminished daytime functioning.
deviated nasal septum
A deviated nasal septum can contribute to the onset of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition, a commonly diagnosed nasal disorder, occurs when the septum, made up of bone and cartilage, is not straight but rather leans to one side, obstructing the nasal passages.
Often caused by trauma, typically a direct facial injury, the deviated septum can result in difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. This obstruction may lead to symptoms such as snoring, disrupted sleep, and potentially, the development of obstructive sleep apnea.
menopause
Menopause can contribute to the onset of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Menopause, marked by the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, involves a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, both of which play crucial roles in promoting and regulating sleep.
As these hormone levels decrease during menopause, sleep quality often suffers. This decline in sleep quality can increase the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. In the United States, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years.
large neck circumference
A larger neck circumference, or the measurement around the neck, can contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As individuals gain weight, one area that typically increases in size is the neck. Additionally, fat tissue accumulation occurs in other parts of the body, including the base of the tongue and the tissues surrounding the upper airways.
This increase in fat tissue can lead to crowding in the throat and upper airways, resulting in intermittent obstruction during sleep. Consequently, individuals with a larger neck circumference may be at a higher risk of experiencing obstructive sleep apnea.
smoking
Smoking is linked to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The habit irritates the tissues of the upper airways, causing inflammation. This inflammation narrows the airways, reducing airflow and potentially causing intermittent blockages during sleep.
In a clinical trial published in Sleeping and Breathing, researchers identified smoking as an independent risk factor for OSA development. Current smokers are 2.5 times more likely to develop OSA.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol can relax the muscles in the upper airway, potentially causing partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. This relaxation effect also contributes to upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), another serious sleep breathing disorder.
Additionally, men who consume more alcohol than average face a 25% higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
genetics
There is growing evidence suggesting that genetic factors may play a significant role in the development of sleep apnea. These risk factors often stem from changes in the structure of the upper airway, including:
- Alterations in craniofacial structures.
- Enlargement of key upper airway structures such as the tongue, soft palate, and lateral pharyngeal walls.
- Modifications to regional fat distribution.
These structural changes can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in the development of sleep apnea.
gender
Male gender is associated with a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with recent studies indicating that OSA is 2 to 3 times more prevalent in men than in women. However, this discrepancy diminishes after menopause.
The reasons for men being at a higher risk for OSA are not fully understood but are believed to be influenced by hormonal factors. Additionally, gender differences in the prevalence of OSA may also be attributed to differences in body fat distribution. Men tend to have a more central fat distribution, including around the neck, which increases the risk of narrowing and blockage of the upper airway.
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
Hypothyroidism, particularly myxedema, is linked to a higher occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea due to muscle function impairment, as well as central sleep apnea caused by diminished ventilatory response.
Macroglossia, a condition characterized by an enlarged tongue often associated with hypothyroidism, contributes to an increased frequency of sleep-disordered breathing.
In individuals with acromegaly, a chronic disease characterized by the enlargement of extremity, facial, and jaw bones, sleep apnea syndrome is more prevalent and often severe. This is believed to be related to the enlarged tongue, which narrows the upper airway.
prevent, treat and reverse sleep apnea
