Latest news with #ObstructiveSleepApnea
Medscape
21-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Sleep Apnea Can Raise Risk for Retinal Vein Disease
TOPLINE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was associated with a notably higher risk of developing retinal vein occlusion across different demographic groups, with the greatest increase observed in people of Hispanic or Latino heritage. Among patients with preexisting retinal vein occlusion, the sleep disorder was associated with further ocular complications. METHODOLOGY: Researchers reviewed electronic health records of adults receiving ophthalmologic care and grouped them by the absence (n = 3,279,582; mean age, 50.2 years; 56.9% women) or presence (n = 19,918; mean age, 68.3 years, 53.0% women) of retinal vein occlusion at baseline; the first group also was stratified on the basis of sex, age, and ethnicity. Within each cohort, patients with OSA were compared with those without the condition to estimate the risk for incident retinal vein occlusion (first group) and the risk for complications or the need for invasive treatment (second group). Complications of retinal vein occlusion included swelling of the macula, abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the retina, or bleeding in the vitreous region; invasive treatments included pars plana vitrectomy, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, or laser therapy of the retina. TAKEAWAY: OSA was linked to a 28% increased risk for incident retinal vein occlusion in women (risk ratio [RR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.45) and a 35% increased risk for the condition in men (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.19-1.52). The association between OSA and retinal vein occlusion was the most prominent in the Hispanic/Latino population, followed by the non-Hispanic White and Black populations; however, the association was not observed in Asian patients. Among patients with retinal vein occlusion at baseline, those with OSA faced higher risks for swelling of the macula (RR, 3.70; 95% CI, 3.17-4.31), bleeding in the vitreous region (RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.64-3.20), and abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the retina (RR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.69-2.91); they also received more intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents and underwent laser therapy of the retina. IN PRACTICE: 'Clinicians should consider regular ophthalmology screening of all patients with OSA and, conversely, incorporating OSA screening into regular follow-up appointments for patients with' retinal vein occlusion, the researchers reported. Whether early initiation of continuous positive airway pressure can mitigate the risk for retinal problems in patients with OSA 'would be a valuable area for further research,' they added. SOURCE: This study was led by Hejin Jeong, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland. It was published online on July 16, 2025, in Eye. LIMITATIONS: Although polysomnography was used to diagnose OSA, data on the number of apnea-hypopnea events and drops in blood oxygen were not available. Since OSA can be significantly underdiagnosed, misclassification bias may have occurred. DISCLOSURES: This study received support from the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Cleveland, Research to Prevent Blindness Challenge Grant, and Cleveland Eye Bank Foundation Grant. Some authors disclosed receiving personal fees, research grants, and having other ties with many pharmaceutical companies. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Orthodontist explains how poor dental health affects sleep: 3 ways your mouth may be disturbing your sleep quality
The root causes of health issues are commonly searched for in similar peripheral environments, but sometimes, two unrelated aspects of health can also share a deep, bi-directional relationship, quietly influencing each other. One such relationship is between sleep and dental health. This pair not only disrupts sleep but also worsens dental issues. It may seem like they co-exist, but in reality, many dental and sleep issues originate from their influence on each other, becoming a cycle. Sleep and the oral cavity are interconnected, a bi-directional relationship.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Probiotics for your dental health? Know how it's the next frontier for cavity prevention Dr Jaineel Parekh, Orthodontist, Laxmi Dental Limited, shared with HT Lifestyle why paying attention to this relationship may help in improving both sleep quality and dental health. He said,'Oral health does more than protect your teeth. It impacts your breathing, inflammation levels, and even brain activity, especially during sleep. The mouth, acting as the body's shared gateway for food and air, plays a vital role in nighttime health. When something goes wrong in your oral cavity, your sleep can suffer. And when sleep falters, so does your overall health. The biology is clear that oral health drives sleep quality, and sleep quality fuels daily energy, heart function, and even emotional well-being. The better you care for your mouth, the more peacefully your whole body will sleep.' Dr Jaineel Parekh shared a comprehensive guide with us, unpacking three conditions linked to this relationship and the dental hygiene practices that can help: 3 conditions that show the link between dental health and sleep Bruxism or grinding teeth, disrupts sleep.(Shutterstock) 1. Obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disrupts sleep by blocking the upper airway repeatedly through the night. Each obstruction stops airflow, jolts the brain awake, and fragments rest. These interruptions exhaust the body and strain the heart. This blockage often stems from oral structures a narrow palate, a large tongue, or a misaligned jaw. 2. Bruxism Bruxism, or grinding teeth at night, damages more than enamel. It leads to jaw pain, cracked molars, and persistent headaches. Its roots lie deep, often in stress and misalignment. But its behaviour emerges during sleep when the brain shifts between stages. 3. Inflammation Gum disease is more than local irritation. Its systemic inflammation is caused by oral bacteria. This inflammation affects sleep cycles. Because when the body is inflamed, it affects brain signalling and stress hormone levels, both of which are closely linked to healthy sleep cycles. Daily dental habits that will help you sleep better National Toothache Day: 5 common brushing mistakes that can lead to toothache(Diana Polekhina on Unsplash) 1. Brush twice a day, two minutes each time Brushing removes harmful plaque. Do it in the morning to clean sleep residue, and at night to remove food and bacteria. This protects against infections that disturb sleep. 2. Use antibacterial mouthwash Mouthwash reaches deep, reduces bacteria, and freshens breath. A cleaner mouth helps you feel more relaxed, aiding sleep. 3. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth Night guards cushion your bite and stop damage. They reduce jaw strain and prevent nighttime awakenings caused by tension or pain. When should you see a doctor? Waking up tired despite sleeping for hours Bleeding gum Sore jaw Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Print
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Print
People still don't admit they snore. It can have adverse health effects
104 million Indians in the working age category of 15- 64 have OSA. And 47 million have moderate or severe OSA, said Dr Mohan, at an event in Delhi's India International Centre. 'Snoring per se may be harmless, but when you can't breathe while you are snoring, that can be a sign of a more serious disease,' said Dr Anant Mohan, a decorated pulmonologist from AIIMS, Delhi. New Delhi: Over 58 per cent of Indians consider snoring an indicator of good sleep. This myth was busted at a recent gathering of doctors. They helped people understand the health risks associated with undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea. OSA is a sleep disturbance with repeated episodes of upper airway obstruction. 'There is a blockage of oxygen, you gasp for a bit, then go back to sleep. This happens again—you do the same and go back to sleep. The cycle continues throughout the night,' said Dr Mohan, referring to the Quiet Sleep Epidemic that most Indians don't address. Five eminent medical consultants from AIIMS, Delhi, were part of a panel discussion titled Beyond the noise: Snoring—A wake up call for your health. The panel discussion moderated by Dr Alok Thakar, Professor and head of department of ENT & Head and Neck surgery, included Dr Mohan, Dr Rakesh Kumar, Professor of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery, Dr Achal Kumar Srivastava, Professor of Neurology and Dr Nitish Naik, Professor of Cardiology. The panel discussion was curated and chaired by Dr Ashwini Kumar. Fragmented sleep not only translates to just waking up groggy, zoning out during the day. Over time, it can lead to serious complications. 'It can lead to memory impairment, trouble concentrating, depression, anxiety, hypertension, heart diseases, to ultimately dangerous things like stroke and sudden death. It's a dangerous disorder,' said Dr Thakar. Also read: Bengaluru is leading India's mental health revolution. VCs say it's the next big field From diagnosis to acceptance Snoring alone doesn't mean one is suffering from OSA. The panel explained how one should go about, if there are signs of trouble. An ENT or a general physician should reasonably be able to detect the disorder. 'It is a cumbersome test, but unfortunately, Polysomnography (sleep study) is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA,' said Dr Srivastava. It is an overnight monitoring of your sleep. Sensors are attached to one's body tracking brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, breathing, snoring, body movements and heart rhythm. The doctors warned against screening tools, like questionnaires, found on the internet. 'People are now looking at apps, putting monitoring devices under the mattress to pick up the sensation and record all body movements. But none of them can diagnose OSA to the level we want,' said Dr Mohan. Dr Kumar highlighted the stigma around snoring. 'Acceptance is not easy. Getting a person to admit that he's a heavy snorer is not easy, there's a stigma there,' said Dr Kumar. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is effective for OSA, but there is aversion on the patient's part to continue with the treatment. CPAP therapy delivers continuous air pressure through a tight-fitting mask to keep the upper airway open during sleep, preventing episodes of breathing obstruction. 'As soon as they are advised of the CPAP therapy, people don't want to use it,' said Dr Kumar. The mask is a significant commitment for patients. 'It is virtually a lifelong therapy,' added Dr Kumar. Also read: Your sleep problems may not be a lifestyle issue but a medical one Surgical intervention The panel of doctors informed the audience that there is no oral medication to treat OSA. Dr Mohan said the only effective treatment is a combination of CPAP therapy and weight loss. 'Most patients discontinue CPAP therapy within a month or by the end of one year, and then what they want is an easy option out; they feel surgery is an answer. Unless we know where the problem is, the surgery will not be 100 per cent effective,' said Dr Naik. OSA is a multi-faceted problem. 'There are many sites where breathing is obstructed. If only one side is obstructed, surgery will be effective. If there are obstructions at multiple sites, we have to decide on the least invasive surgical intervention. I usually don't advise multi-level surgery,' said Dr Naik. Dr Mohan stressed the need for weight management to counter the condition and aid treatment. 'There are masks, nasal pillows, and then there is a helmet. However, if you are dramatically overweight, many of these treatments would not be effective,' said Dr Mohan. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
India Today
30-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
The common disorder hiding behind loud snores
The common disorder hiding behind loud snores Credit: Generative AI/India Today Snoring loudly every night is not just disturbing for a partner but an underlying disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. Credit: Getty Images Sadly, over 104 million Indians have the same problem, more prevalent in men than in women. According to Dr. Sarmishtha Bandyopadhyay, a senior ear, nose and throat specialist at Neotia Mediplus OPD and Diagnostics Clinic, obstructive sleep apnea is considered one of the single most important causes of coronary artery disease in recent times. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods while sleeping because their airway gets blocked. What is obstructive sleep apnea? When you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. But in some people, these relaxed muscles collapse too much or the tongue falls back, blocking the airflow. This makes the person stop breathing for a few seconds, sometimes many times, during the night. The brain notices the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes the person up to breathe again, often without them realising it. As a result, people with OSA snore loudly (a common sign), feel very tired during the day, may wake up gasping or choking at night, and may have headaches or trouble concentrating. OSA is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and metabolic issues. It also causes cognitive decline and memory problems. "Obstructive sleep apnea puts your heart under stress because your oxygen levels keep dipping throughout the night. Over time, this leads to long-term cardiovascular strain," Dr. Bandyopadhyay told A sleep test (polysomnography) helps diagnose the condition, following which most doctors recommend using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Treatment
India Today
23-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
The common yet serious sleep disorder hiding behind loud snores
For most of his life, Ankur Das thought snoring was what normal people did while sleeping. He felt groggy throughout the day and was able to fall asleep very easily at any time of the meant trouble for him only when he got married and his wife complained of the loud snores, frequent wake-ups to use the bathroom, and a constant struggle with weight over 104 million Indians have the same problem as Ankur, a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). According to a 2023 AIIMS study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Sleep Medicine, 11% of Indians suffer from OSA: 13% in men and 5% in women."Obstructive sleep apnea is considered one of the single most important causes of coronary artery disease in recent times," according to Dr. Sarmishtha Bandyopadhyay, a senior ear, nose and throat specialist at Neotia Mediplus OPD and Diagnostics IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods while sleeping because their airway gets blocked. According to a 2023 AIIMS study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Sleep Medicine, 11% of Indians suffer from OSA: 13% in men and 5% in women. () advertisementWhen you sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. But in some people, these relaxed muscles collapse too much or the tongue falls back, blocking the makes the person stop breathing for a few seconds, sometimes many times, during the brain notices the lack of oxygen and briefly wakes the person up to breathe again, often without them realising it. As a result, people with OSA snore loudly (a common sign), feel very tired during the day, may wake up gasping or choking at night, and may have headaches or trouble like your body keeps hitting a pause button on breathing during sleep, which messes up your rest and affects your health over SHOULD WE TAKE SNORING SERIOUSLY?If you thought snoring was just a harmless, if annoying, nighttime quirk, think again. OSA, a serious sleep disorder, can silently wreak havoc on your health. It is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and metabolic also causes cognitive decline and memory problems."Obstructive sleep apnea puts your heart under stress because your oxygen levels keep dipping throughout the night. Over time, this leads to long-term cardiovascular strain," added Dr. Shalini Bhutta, consultant physician at Neotia Mediplus, said that through epidemiological studies, clinical observations, and mechanistic research, it has become increasingly evident that OSA is not merely a respiratory disorder but a complex condition with far-reaching implications for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality."There's mounting evidence linking it to a spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities and adverse events," said Dr. can develop OSA, but certain factors such as being overweight or obese, having a large neck size, family history of sleep apnea, smoking or alcohol use, and nasal congestion or structural issues like a deviated septum can lead to men are more commonly affected than women, post-menopausal women have also been showing rising a sleep test (polysomnography) helps diagnose the condition, following which most doctors recommend using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. A CPAP machine helps treat obstructive sleep apnea. () The CPAP machine gently blows air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth. This keeps the airway open, so breathing doesn't stop during sleep—thus preventing snoring and improving sleep critical cases, surgery is required to remove tissue from the back of the mouth and top of the this, lifestyle changes such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol or sedatives, and treating nasal congestion can left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can affect the heart, brain, metabolism, and overall quality of loud snoring comes with daytime tiredness or disrupted sleep, it's worth checking out. Hectic schedules and busy lifestyles have resulted in poor sleep patterns in India, making OSA one of the most under-checked and overlooked causes of heart disease and stressed that better sleep isn't just about rest, it's about long-term health.
