Snoring? Don’t Sleep Over It, Check For Sleep Apnea!

Obstructive Sleep Apnea can lead to motor vehicle accidents, diminished productivity, and a significantly reduced quality of life, say docs.
KOLKATA, Nov 30 (The CONNECT) –As many as 11% of Indians suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), doctors say.
If left untreated, OSA can lead to severe complications, including heart, kidney, and metabolic issues, said Dr. Souvik Roy Choudhury, Senior Consultant, ENT & Sleep Apnea, Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
OSA also contributes to motor vehicle accidents, diminished productivity, and a significantly reduced quality of life, Dr Choudhury said addressing comprehensive workshop on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for the doctors from all units of Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep and has enormous implications for overall health. The workshop covered diagnostic advancements, treatment modalities, and case studies to enhance the clinical acumen of participating doctors.
Dr. Shaswati Sengupta Datta, Senior Consultant, ENT & Sleep Apnea, Medica Superspecialty Hospital explained, there are many misconceptions regarding OSA. For example, people believe OSA is commonly found in males, but that is not necessarily the case.
“Women with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, postmenopausal women and pregnancy are more prone to develop OSA,” she said. It is also quite common in children, even preschoolers and they usually present with hyperactivity, attention deficit, mood swings, poor school performance, growth failure etc.
Most cases of OSA are undiagnosed and thus require increased awareness, because early detection and personalized treatment is the key to success. The treatment for OSA depends on the severity of the condition. Lifestyle modifications, such as abstinence from alcohol, smoking, sleep deprivation, or sleeping on the side, usually treat mild conditions-especially for obese patients.
Moderate to severe cases are usually treated with nasal CPAP therapy. While medications aren’t often the go-to option, certain stimulants can prove helpful for excessive daytime sleepiness. Surgery has also a pivotal role in treatment of OSA, especially in children. A significant number of adults get benefits of surgery too, when selected judiciously.
Engaging in physical activity at least three times a week may help lower the risk. Snoring is indeed a hallmark symptom, reported in up to 94% of patients, Dr Choudhury said
Dr. Ranjan Kumar Das, Advisor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, stated, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a multifaceted health concern that demands a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.
Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical, as untreated OSA can lead to severe health complications, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, he said.
Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals (East), said, “Awareness about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is often limited or misunderstood, with many in India mistakenly associating snoring with “restful” sleep.