What the Typical Person with Sleep Apnea Looks Like

Think the typical person with sleep apnea looks like a beer gutted middle age man with a short fat neck?

Think again!

There is NO typical appearance of a person with obstructive sleep apnea, and here is why:

“Most people think of OSA as associated with obesity, but it’s now understood that it is not just obesity, but actually the anatomical structures of the upper airway that can cause obstructive sleep apnea.” explains Dr. C. Phillip Amoils, MD, a board certified otolaryngologist with SC-ENT Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists in CA.

Once you know the actual cause of obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll never again stereotype patients as being fat people with no necks.

Here’s what happens in obstructive sleep apnea.

Now you may be thinking, “Well gee, obesity causes that to happen.” But what you see in the illustration can occur to thin people, including young women and children.

It has to do with the anatomy we’re born with.

• This could be plus-size tonsils or a large uvula.
• It could be surplus throat tissue – which has nothing to do with obesity.
• It could be a tongue with a big base in combination with a small jaw.
• Or it could be structures that are just prone to excess laxity during sleep.

It can also be acquired via poor lifestyle choices. Smoking causes inflammation of the upper airway tissue. This can lead to obstruction during sleep.

Drinking liquor shortly before bedtime can cause upper airway structures to become way too relaxed, collapsing them — which compromises airflow down the throat.

 

 

Obesity is a major risk factor, not the ONLY risk factor.

Of course, obesity adds fat to the throat’s tissue, plumping it up and thereby making the airway smaller during sleep.

In cases of mild sleep apnea, weight loss can eliminate the problem for some patients.

But because obstructive sleep apnea is founded upon structural or anatomical issues, weight loss is not a cure for moderate and especially severe OSA.

Dr. Amoils is considered among the best surgeons worldwide for sinus surgery and OSA, having helped thousands of patients for 25+ years. He also demonstrates to physicians the protocols he’s developed for mouth breathing, nasal congestion, obstructive sleep apnea and snoring using minimally invasive procedures.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.