January 2019
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Anesthesiology; Pulmonary Medicine; Surgery
No

​Do You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem that causes you not to breathe properly when you are sleeping. About 80-90% of OSA patients are undiagnosed, even though there are warning signs. This can result in serious complications if you are having surgery.

Your doctor can do a test to see if you have this problem. If you answer YES to any of the questions below, you may be at risk and should ask your doctor for more information about OSA.

Risk Factors & Treatment

Checklist image 

  • Being overweight
  • Having a large neck or narrow airway
  • Being male
  • Being older
  • Family history
  • Use of drugs, alcohol or sedatives
  • Smoking
  • Nasal congestion

Although there are currently no medications that can cure OSA, treatment options are available. Ask your doctor for more information.

Signs & Symptoms

  1. Do you snore loudly (can you be heard through a closed door?)
  2. Does your bedroom partner complain about your snoring?
  3. Does your snoring wake you up at night?
  4. Do you or your bedroom partner notice that you make gasping or choking noises when you're sleeping?
  5. Has your bedroom partner ever noticed that you have stopped breathing during your sleep for 10-30 seconds?
  6. Do you have a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache in the morning?
  7. Do you often fall asleep during the daytime when you want to stay awake?
  8. Are you often tired during the day?