Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea include:this health issue confirmed link to body weight.
- Anatomic abnormality. Snoring and OSA occur because of anatomic abnormality in the upper airway leading to obstruction. The sites involved include the:
- Nose (enlarged turbinates, deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps)
- Oropharynx (long, redundant and thick palate and uvula, large tonsils)
- Hypopharynx/base of tongue (lingual tonsillar hypertrophy, floppy epiglottis, and bulky tongue) and throat
- Genetics. Genetic predisposition leading to facial and jaw abnormalities are known predisposing risk factors.
- Medications / Alcohol. Mild or intermittent snoring may be a result of medications (like sedatives to help you sleep) or alcohol that induce relaxation of the upper airway muscles.
- Weight. Weight gain can contribute to snoring and OSA. Excessive fat accumulation in the upper airway can amplify an existing anatomic narrowing that was causing mild obstruction previously.
- Gender and Age. The male gender and increased age are risk factors.
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