Sleep apnea risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.
Overview
The risk factors of sleep apnea include smoking, alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, males, a positive family history, certain ethnic backgrounds such as African Americans, and individuals over 60 years. There are certain medical conditions for both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea that are important risk factors. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a risk factor for complex sleep apnea (also known as mixed sleep apnea) because patients with obstructive sleep apnea may develop central sleep apnea.
Risk Factors
The table below lists the risk factors for sleep apnea:
| Risk Factor | Description |
| Smoking | Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway |
| Alcohol | This relaxes the muscles in the throat |
| Sedatives/tranquilizers | This relaxes the muscles in the throat the throat |
| Male Gender | Men are more likely to suffer sleep apnea than women and children are, though it is not uncommon in the last two population groups |
| Genetic Factors | A positive family history may have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea |
| Ethnic Background | African Americans, people of Mexican origin, and Pacific Islanders |
| Physical Characteristics | Thick neck, obstructed nasal passages, large tongue, narrow airway, receding chin, overbite, certain shapes and increased rigidity of the palate and jaw |
| Age | Sleep apnea occurs significantly in adults older than 60 |
Medical conditions that are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include:
- Obesity is the best documented risk factor for OSA
- Facial deformities
- Chronic respiratory tract conditions such as:
Medical conditions that are risk factors for central sleep apnea (CSA) include:
- Problems after cervical spine surgery
Continuouspositive airway pressure (CPAP) is a risk factor for complex sleep apnea (also known as mixed sleep apnea) because patients with obstructive sleep apnea may develop central sleep apnea.
References
- ↑ Young, T.; Skatrud, J.; Peppard, PE. (2004). "Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in adults". JAMA. 291 (16): 2013–6. doi:10.1001/jama.291.16.2013. PMID 15113821. Unknown parameter
|month=ignored (help) - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Young, Terry (2004). "Risk Factors for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults". JAMA. 291 (16): 2013. doi:10.1001/jama.291.16.2013. ISSN 0098-7484.