Sleep apnea risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saarah T. Alkhairy, M.D.

Overview

The most common risk factor for the development of sleep apnea is large neck circumference. Other 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 60-65 years. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a risk factor for complex sleep apnea (also known as mixed sleep apnea).

Risk Factors

The table below lists the risk factors for sleep apnea:

Risk Factor	Description
Physical Characteristics	Most common risk factor. Thick neck, obstructed nasal passages, large tongue, narrow airway, receding chin, overbite, certain shapes and increased rigidity of the palate and jaw
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
Age	Sleep apnea occurs significantly in adults over 60-65

Medical conditions that are risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Obesity^[1]

Obesity is the most common risk factor for OSA

Pregnancy

Diabetes^[2]

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Hypertension^[2]

Facial deformities

Hypothyroidism

Esophageal reflux

Enlarged tonsils or adenoids

Chronic respiratory tract conditions such as:

Asthma

Allergies

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Medical conditions that are risk factors for central sleep apnea (CSA)

Bulbar poliomyelitis

Encephalitis

Neurodegenerative diseases

Stroke

Problems after cervical spine surgery

Primary hypoventilation syndrome

Prolonged 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.

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.

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[Young-2004-1] 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)

[Young2004-2] 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.

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