Sleep apnea risk factors

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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

• Obesity is the most common risk factor for OSA

• Pregnancy

• Diabetes

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

• Hypertension

• 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

• Brain tumors
• Down 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.