Hypopnea Syndrome

Hypopnea Syndrome is a condition in which an individual experiences severe shallow breathing or a slow rate of airflow during sleep. This is different than sleep apnea as there is some air being passed through the mouth or nose.

When hypopnea syndrome is being diagnosed and treated, it's generally regarded as not a problem unless there is a 50-percent or greater reduction in the air flow for at least 10 seconds or if it causes the individual to wake up. The direct effect of hypopnea is that the levels in the blood rise as the oxygen decreases. The amount of this is proportionate on the degree of obstruction. Hypopnea can either be central or obstructive in origin. With obstructive hypopnea, the airway is not entirely closed.

Hypopnea interrupts sleep patterns and results in the individual feeling fatigued, inability to concentrate, irritability and headaches. These individuals will be extremely tired due to the fact that they cannot sleep. This constant sleepiness is the biggest symptom for the individual. Another symptom is for the individual to have severe snoring including intermittent bouts of choking noises or very loud snores that have a long silence afterwards.

These periods of silence are due to the fact that there is not enough air flow through the nose and mouth. The silence will usually last for at least 20 seconds and results in poor sleep quality. Other symptoms of hypopnea include feeling depressed, becoming forgetful, experiencing personality changes such as moodiness, inability of concentrate, feeling lethargic, anxiety, and morning headaches.

There are many theories as to what causes hypopnea including defects of the nasal passage, being overweight or obese, or any condition that weakens the respiratory muscles, using sedatives, abusing alcohol, smoking, becoming older, and other causes that also cause snoring and sleep apnea.

Hypopnea will negatively affect a person's quality of life. The excessive sleepiness can cause car accidents, not being able to focus and be productive in the workplace, emotional problems and a lesser quality of relationships.

There are many treatments available for hypopnea, but the one most generally used is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), similar to the treatment for sleep apnea. During this treatment, the patient will wear a mask over his nose and mouth. Air is forced through the upper airway using an air blower. The air pressure is then adjusted enough so it will stop the air tissues from collapsing when the individual is asleep. Hypopnea will reappear if the treatment is stopped or is not used properly.

A case of hypopnea that is not severe can often be treated by the patient losing weight or by not sleeping on his or her back. Quitting smoking, not drinking alcohol, and not using sedatives before bed can also be a useful treatment for this disorder. Physical exercise that also strengthens respiratory muscles can also be quite effective.

Severe hypopnea can be treated through surgery. This surgery will involve repairing the soft palate, the uvula, tonsils, adenoids and tongue. Other types of surgery can be done that involve the adjustment of bone structures such as the mouth, nose, and facial bones. Surgery is used as a last option and is only considered once all other forms of treatment have been tried and have failed.