Final answer:
Risk factors associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include being overweight, smoking, diabetes, alcohol and sedative use, being male, and age.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk factors associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include:
- Being overweight: Excess weight can lead to the narrowing of the airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, increasing the risk of airway blockage and apnea episodes.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to have OSA due to the underlying metabolic and hormonal changes.
- Alcohol and sedative use: The relaxation of the throat muscles caused by alcohol, tranquilizers, or muscle relaxants can contribute to airway collapse.
- Being male: Men are more prone to develop OSA than women, although the risk increases in women after menopause.
- Age: OSA becomes more common as people get older, although it can occur at any age.