what is osa in medical terms

OSA stands for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep, leading to cessation or significant decrease in airflow in the presence of breathing effort. It is a relatively common condition where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. OSA can cause physical problems such as tiredness, headaches, and sleep-deprived partners. The symptoms of OSA are often first spotted by a partner, friend, or family member who notices problems while the person sleeps. Signs of OSA in someone sleeping can include loud snoring, noisy and labored breathing, and repeated short periods where breathing is interrupted by gasping or snorting. OSA can be diagnosed after being observed sleeping at a sleep clinic or by using a testing device worn overnight at home. The condition can be managed through lifestyle changes such as losing weight, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding the use of sleeping tablets and tranquilizers.