Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep due to obstruction of airway. Clinically significant levels of sleep apnea are defined as five or more episodes per hour of any type of apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is usually caused by massively enlarged tonsils. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of lab tests and patient history. The most common treatment is the use of a CPAP. Surgical intervention, such as a tonsillectomy, may be a treatment option as well. Some medications are also used to lover blood pH and encourage respiration.
