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Article: Sleep Apnea.(Life Extension)
- Article from:
- Manila Bulletin
- Article date:
- March 21, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Dr. Gary S. Sy
WHAT is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airways muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea.
There is also Central Sleep Apnea. I ...