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Types of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. OSA is indicative of its name. An obstruction occurs in one or more locations in the airways,which causes a blockage. Swollen or malformed nasal passages or a tongue blocking the windpipe can cause an apnea.

Throat muscles can relax, causing a collapse. When the airways close, even partially, blood oxygen levels also decrease. In turn, the brain is alerted and causes you to waken. You may never be aware of these episodes. Children with apneas sometimes experience trouble due to adenoids or tonsils.

Central apnea is typically diagnosed in one out of every 10 individuals who seek treatment. Brain signals either fail to activate or are interrupted due to central nervous system involvement. In the case of central apneas, heart disease and other illnesses can be the cause rather than a symptom. While rare in adults by comparison, premature infants undergo a significant rate of central apneas.