$Unique_ID{BRK01484}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{A Case of Sleep Apnea?}
$Subject{sleep apnea breathing respiratory behavior behaviors gasp breath
snoring pulmonary breathe gasping snore snores}
$Volume{H-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Case of Sleep Apnea?


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QUESTION:  My husband had a stroke seven months ago and I notice when he
sleeps on his back there seem to be intervals when he stops breathing for a
few seconds, then a big gasp to get his breath.  Is this sleep apnea?  What if
anything can be done about it?

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ANSWER:  This may well be a case of sleep apnea, where a person stops
breathing for a few seconds during sleep, although you fail to mention another
very common symptom of this condition, snoring.  During sleep, our muscles
relax more than during our awake hours.  This includes the muscles necessary
for breathing as well.  If there is excessive relaxation, sleep apnea may
occur.  Another possible cause is when a part of the brain "forgets" to send
the proper signals to our breathing muscles.  Since there is more than one
cause of this condition it is sometimes hard to make a diagnosis without
specific evaluations which are conducted in sleep laboratories.  There all
types of activity are monitored through out a sleep period; brain waves,
muscle activity, heart rhythms, and of course breathing.  Once the exact
diagnosis various treatments can be employed including continuous positive
airway pressure, medications and even surgery when necessary.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.