Sleep Apnea Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to sleep apnea and its impact on respiratory care and pathophysiology.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A blockage of ventilation due to upper airway obstruction leading to no airflow despite chest and abdomen movement.

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

A measure that reports the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep.

Risk factors for OSA

Includes excessive weight, neck size greater than 17 inches, and anatomical variations such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Signs and Symptoms of OSA

Common symptoms include loud snoring, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

A disorder defined by the repetitive stopping or reduction of airflow and ventilatory effort during sleep.

Polysomnography

A sleep study that measures various parameters including sleep stages, airflow, and blood oxygen levels.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP)

A machine that delivers two varying pressures during inhalation and exhalation to assist with breathing.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A treatment method that provides constant positive airway pressure to keep the airway open.

Sleep-Related Hypoventilation/Hypoxemia Syndromes (SRHHS)

A range of sleep disorders that include obesity hypoventilation syndrome and overlap with COPD.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

A tool used to assess the risk of obstructive sleep apnea based on the likelihood of dozing in various situations.