What is Hypopnea?

Hypopnea is defined as shallow breathing patterns that occur throughout the night and easily treatable sleep-related breathing disorders. It happens if the lung airflow is partially obstructed for a minimum of 10 seconds and up to 30 seconds. This results in a reduction in ventilation by thirty percent and a decrease in the level of oxygen present in the blood oxygen. Chronic hypopnea leads to poor quality and interrupted sleep and severe health issues.

However, hypopnea is a bit different from sleep apnea even if they both are categorized in the same family. If not well managed it may degenerate to cause sleep apnea besides causing ringing in the ears.

In this article, we shall be looking at the various causes, different forms, signs, and effects of hypopnea as well as the available treatments.

Hypopnea vs. Sleep Apnea

Hypopnea and sleep apnea are breathed sleep disorders that both refer to reductions in the breathing rate. However, there's a key difference:

• Sleep Apnea: Complete blockage of the airflow during the night.
• Hypopnea: A partial obstruction of the airflow during sleep.

Though sleep apnea is considered more serious, hypopnea should not be overlooked at all. All these two conditions are related and they can be present and cause similar health issues.

How was Hypopnea Discovered?

Hypopnea was coined when recording patients suffering from sleep apnea. The doctors also observed that not all were full cycle apnoea which interrupted breathing was incomplete. Now some patients suffer from partial occlusion instead of complete occlusion of airflow.

These partial blockages also affected sleep and decreased blood oxygen. Many observations confirmed that after a period these partial obstructions interfered with sleep and lowered oxygen availability. If left untreated, hypopnea flows inevitably into sleep apnea, put simply, from mild to severe.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Hypopnea

If treated with ignorance, hypopnea puts one at risk of some serious consequences in the long run. Common consequences include:

• Daytime Fatigue: Lack of sleep results in either too much sleep or lack of sleep and this causes too much fatigue and little concentration in school.
• Mood Changes: Sleep apnoea in particular, hypopnea can lead to crankiness and mood swings.
• Serious Health Issues: Hypopnea if not treated can lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and liver issues.

If that is indeed the case, then it is advisable to go see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to receive the right treatment.

Types of Hypopnea

The most common types are the three types of hypopnea which are different in origin and manifestations.

Obstructive Hypopnea

This type occurs especially during sleep when the throat muscles are too loose to cause a partial blockage of the air passage. Obesity hypothyroidism or large tonsils are some of the causative factors of obstructive hypopnea.

Central Hypopnea

Central hypopnea occurs when the brain does not relay proper signals to the muscles responsible for its process. This is often associated with conditions affecting the brainstem or the medication, which the patient may be on.

Mixed Hypopnea

Obstructive hypopnea: a transitional or true mixed type is one that contains features of both obstructive and central hypopnea. It has been found more often in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea - hypopnea syndrome or OSAHS.

Symptoms of Hypopnea

It is also important to be familiar with hypopnea symptoms, in order to start treatment and diagnosis in its early stages. Common signs include:

• Daytime sleepiness even when one feels that they have had enough sleep.
• The occurrence of loud snoring may commonly affect a partner's sleep.
• Waking up in the morning feeling more tired than when you went to bed, feeling choked during the night.
• Panting at night or going for bathroom trips at night.
• Obesity or poor weight loss where there is no prior history of any illness that would warrant the problem.
• Sexual dysfunction in some cases At times.

These are some of the symptoms that you find yourself having most often, then should see a doctor.

Causes of Hypopnea

The causes of hypopnea vary according to the type of this condition.

• Obstructive Hypopnea: It is usually the result of obesity, hypothyroidism, or overly large tonsils that constrict the air passage.
• Central Hypopnea: Associated with brainstem injury, side effects of certain medications, or other neurological disorders.
• Mixed Hypopnea: This has both obstructive and central causes.

Hypopnea symptoms are made worse by living conditions like smoking, alcohol intake, and poor sleep quality.

Diagnosing Hypopnea

A diagnosis is often made after a Polysomnography, also referred to as a sleep study. During the test, you breathe into the mask, let your blood oxygen levels be checked, and the stage of sleep you were in. When hypopnea is established, the magnitude will depict the right treatment regimen to be applied.

Treatment for Hypopnea

Hypopnea requires treatment of the causes and optimizing the flow of air while the patient is asleep. Common treatments include:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

CPAP is one of the most effective treatments for hypopnea of all available treatments. Pressurized air is given through a mask by a machine thus the airway remains open during sleep.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce hypopnea symptoms:

• Avoid weight gain as being overweight puts pressure on the airways.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any drug that makes you sleepy, especially before you retire to bed.
• Inhale more fresh air, and stop smoking to help the lungs.

Oral Appliances

In milder forms, oral appliances that adjust the position of the jaw to keep the airway open are useful.

Treat the Primary Disease

Hypopnea severity may be relieved by treating such conditions as obesity hypothyroidism, or any neurological disorders.

Final Thoughts

Sleep apnea hypopnea is a treatable condition that necessitates concern and management. If left unnoticed, then it may drastically harm an individual health in the long run.

When you learn to identify these symptoms early enough and follow the appropriate treatment, your sleeping pattern as well as your health will improve. People have reported significant changes with lifestyle alterations, CPAP therapy, or other treatments. Hypopnea is to be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing such symptoms.