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Sleep Apnea Syndrome
(TL011)
Introduction


There are several disorders termed "sleep-related breathing disorders" (SRBDs). These include obesity-hypoventilation, central sleep apnea syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA, occlusion of the upper airway with continued respiratory effort, is the most common and well-known of these disorders.

The primary mechanism leading to OSA is a repetitive narrowing of the upper airway during sleep, followed by an increase in upper airway resistance or complete cessation of ventilation for 10 to 120 seconds. In milder forms of OSA, the sleeping individual may maintain airflow at the expense of increased work of breathing and frequent arousals. As OSA progresses, the respiratory events become more severe; hypoxia (low oxygen level), hypercarbia (increased carbon dioxide level), and dramatic disruptions of sleep occur.

OSA has been strongly associated with several cardiovascular disorders such as systemic hypertension, and there is association with pulmonary hypertension, cardiac ischemia (impaired blood flow to the heart), dysrhythmias, and strokes.

Initial management of OSA emphasizes correction of medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or anatomical factors as well as weight control, and avoidance of sedative medications. Choices regarding treatment are often based on the individual's preference and lifestyle.


Medifocus: Trusted Medical Information...When You Really Need to Know


The Medifocus Guide on Sleep Apnea provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:


What Your Doctor Reads:


This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:




MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.

MediFocus Guides are the perfect solution for consumers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of their medical issue and avail themselves of the same type of professional level medical information that is used by physicians and other health-care professionals to help then in the clinical decision making process.
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