Date of Graduation

Fall 12-29-2016

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Public Administration

Abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common chronic disorder that is often been ignored and not considered in the society compared to other chronic disorders. The prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is very much linked to the obesity. Sleep apnea is caused due to recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep that is caused by elevations in upper airway collapsibility during sleep. The underlying anatomic alterations and disturbances in upper airway neuromuscular control, plays key roles in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. It can increase pharyngeal collapsibility through mechanical effects on pharyngeal soft tissues and lung volume and through central nervous system–acting signaling proteins that may affect airway neuromuscular system. Although weight loss reduces upper airway collapsibility during sleep, it is clearly not proven whether its effects are mediated primarily by improvement in upper airway mechanical properties or neuromuscular control. Middle aged and older people are at higher risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea because of the increased prevalence factors that are associated with the development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A variety of behavioral changes, non-invasive mechanical devices and surgical approaches may be of beneficial to patients with Obstructive sleep apnea.

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