2 Types of Sleep Apnea and How Each Is Treated

If you are an individual who snores or wakes up gasping for air, a significant other may have suggested visiting a dental or medical provider to investigate the possibility of sleep apnea. A proper diagnosis is crucial for starting the right treatment. There are two main types of sleep apnea that have similar symptoms, but they each originate in a different part of the body.

What are the 2 types of sleep apnea?

Obstructive and central sleep apnea both result in difficulty breathing while sleeping. Because one involves the airway system itself and the other involves the brain’s signals to this system, selecting the appropriate treatment can be difficult without knowing which type the patient has. Any type of apnea should be carefully evaluated by a medical professional before beginning treatment.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause loud snoring, a dry mouth in the morning, irritability, and daytime sleepiness. Partners of individuals with this condition may be awakened by excessive snoring. Sleep partners may additionally observe episodes in which the patient suddenly stops breathing while asleep.

Central sleep apnea

Central apnea shares many symptoms with obstructive apnea, but the origin of the disease is the patient’s brain rather than the airways themselves. In central apnea, the interruptions in breathing are due to a miscommunication between the parts of the brain that control the muscles that assist with breathing. These patients effectively stop breathing while sleeping because the brain “forgets” to tell the airways to keep open.

What are the treatments for each type of sleep apnea?

The treatments of each type of apnea depend on the severity of the apnea as well as the age and other risk factors of the patient. Certain medical conditions can increase the risk for both types of apnea, and these preexisting conditions can be useful in making a clear diagnosis.

Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea

Patients who are obese or very overweight are prone to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals who are male, who smoke, and who drink alcohol are at risk for this type of disease as well. Early treatment may involve wearing an oral appliance designed by a dentist for treating apnea. If the patient has a moderate to severe form of the disease, a continuous positive airway pressure mask at nighttime may be considered.

Treatments for central sleep apnea

Central apnea, like obstructive apnea, can also be treated with a CPAP machine. For severe cases that do not respond to the CPAP treatment, patients with central apnea could consider using another type of pressurized air delivery system called adaptive servo-ventilation. Central apnea can also be induced by medication: Several medications, like opioids, can cause symptoms of central apnea. If the patient’s condition allows, these medications can be discontinued to reduce the severity of apnea.