Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea is a common sleep breathing disorder. The occurrence of this disease is related to many factors, such as arrhythmia, hypertension, etc. Central sleep apnea, as the name suggests, refers to a situation in which the upper airway is blocked, causing the body to experience temporary respiratory arrest. Central sleep apnea should be taken seriously. So what are the types of central sleep apnea?

Types of sleep apnea syndrome

1. Obstructive sleep apnea

That is, sleep apnea caused by upper airway obstruction during sleep, manifested as cessation of airflow from the mouth and nasal cavity while chest and abdominal breathing movements still exist. It is a sleep breathing disorder that affects multiple systems and causes multiple organ damage. It is an independent risk factor for many diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and stroke.

2. Central sleep apnea

That is, the airflow from the oral and nasal cavities and the chest and abdominal breathing movements stop at the same time, mainly due to dysfunction of the respiratory center of the central nervous system or lesions of the nerves or respiratory muscles that control the respiratory muscles. Although the airway may not be blocked, the respiratory function cannot work normally, leading to respiratory arrest.

3. Mixed sleep apnea

That is, the above two conditions coexist, starting with central sleep apnea and then manifesting as obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep, tidal volume decreases, that is, respiratory airflow decreases by more than 50% of normal airflow intensity. A decrease in blood oxygen saturation of more than 4% is called insufficiency or hypoventilation.

Sleep apnea treatment

How should you treat sleep apnea syndrome? I believe many people don’t know this. Since we don’t know, let’s take a look at it together.

1. Central type

Artificial mechanical ventilation with intermittent or continuous positive pressure ventilation, oxygen inhalation, and oral administration of acetazolamide 125-250 mg before bedtime can control symptoms.

2. Blocking type

(1) General treatment

Use oxygen, avoid hypnotics, alcohol, and androgen, and lose weight.

(2) Drug treatment

For example, 20-30 mg of progesterone is injected intramuscularly twice a day for 2-3 weeks, which has the effect of stimulating the respiratory center. Acetazolamide 250 mg orally, 3 times a day; protiline 5-30 mg orally before bedtime.

(3) Medical devices

Devices such as tongue positioners, orthodontic appliances, and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can control symptoms.

(4) Surgical treatment

Patients suffering from sleep apnea syndrome can also be treated with surgery, and the corresponding surgical treatment is mainly based on different causes.