Diseases
obstructive sleep apnea
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
Symptoms
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- loud snoring
- observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
Causes
- obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing.
Risk factors
- older age.
- excess weight.
- narrowed airway.
Diagnosis
- polysomnography
- home sleep apnea testing.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
What are the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?
excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking, awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much to allow normal breathing.
Which medicines are used for obstructive sleep apnea?
armodafinil, modafinil
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.