Professor Naresh Panda, Head of Otorhinolaryngology, PGI, highlighted the fact that OSA is becoming increasingly prevalent in India due to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increasing risk factors such as obesity and sedentary behavior. .
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated cessation of breathing during sleep due to collapse of the upper airway. Such interruptions in breathing can occur multiple times per hour, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, OSA can have serious effects on both physical and mental health. People with untreated OSA are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.
Professor Naresh Panda, Head of Otorhinolaryngology, PGI, highlighted the fact that OSA is becoming increasingly prevalent in India due to urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increasing risk factors such as obesity and sedentary behavior. . Professor Sandeep Bansal said OSA has been on the rise in recent years, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, OSA is often undiagnosed, causing serious health complications and economic burden. “Early detection and effective management of obstructive sleep apnea is critical to mitigating its negative effects and reducing associated costs,” he says.
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Our department has conducted a variety of studies, including one study in which 72 patients with mild OSA were fed a customized diet for 12 months and found significant decreases in baseline energy, fat, carbohydrate intake, and BMI. A reduction was observed and health status improved significantly. Snoring and mild sleep apnea. An observational study was conducted to evaluate the dietary habits of 64 patients with OSA, and although most of the patients were obese, only 3.6% were aware of the relationship between obesity and OSA. It turned out that there was a misunderstanding. Regarding the types of foods that consume high calories of approximately 40kcal/kg/day.
Another important study was a randomized controlled trial in which anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and sleep studies of 56 obese OSA patients were analyzed before and after a 6-month dietary intervention, and various biochemical and blood parameters were significantly The results were impressive: Weight and BMI. “As part of our efforts to raise awareness, we encourage individuals to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be affected. ” says Bansal.
Pediatric OSA can have a significant impact on a child's health and development, doctors said, and untreated childhood OSA can lead to impaired growth and development. Children with untreated OSA may experience cognitive problems, such as decreased attention, concentration, and memory. They may also exhibit behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, irritability, aggression, and poor academic performance. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and mood disturbances can affect social interactions, academic performance, and participation in extracurricular activities. OSA and obesity often coexist in children, and one can worsen the other. Untreated, her OSA can lead to weight gain and obesity due to disruption of metabolic processes and changes in appetite-regulating hormones.
“Children with OSA are more prone to bedwetting, which can lead to recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, chronic coughs and worsening of asthma.'' Professor Bansal says treatment options include lifestyle changes such as weight management and positional therapy. It added that this could include not only style modifications but also medical interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or surgical procedures to address anatomical abnormalities.
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Date first uploaded: March 18, 2024, 07:02 IST
