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'''Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)''' or '''obstructive sleep apnea syndrome''' is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by obstruction of the upper airway. It is characterized by repetitive pauses in [[breathing]] during [[sleep]], despite the effort to breathe, and is usually associated with a reduction in [[blood oxygen saturation]]. These pauses in breathing, called [[apnea]]s (literally, "without breath"), typically last 20 10 to 40 seconds.
The individual with OSA is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. It is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body. OSA is commonly accompanied with [[snoring]].
Many people experience episodes of OSA for only a short period of time. This can be the result of an upper respiratory infection that causes nasal congestion, along with swelling of the throat, or tonsillitis that temporarily produces very enlarged tonsils. The Epstein-Barr virus, for example, is known to be able to dramatically increase the size of lymphoid tissue during acute infection, and OSA is fairly common in acute cases of severe infectious mononucleosis. Temporary spells of OSA syndrome may also occur in individuals who are under the influence of a drug (such as alcohol) that may relax their body tone excessively and interfere with normal arousal from sleep mechanisms.
Here are the AHI levels of severity for Sleep Apnea:
Mild: 5-14
Moderate 15-29
Severe: 30+
== Signs and symptoms ==
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