Final answer:
Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, morning headaches, and potentially polycythemia. A sleep study is typically used for diagnosis, and treatments include CPAP machines and lifestyle adjustments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, which is due to the partially blocked airway causing turbulent airflow, and daytime sleepiness because of disrupted sleep patterns. Insomnia might also be a symptom as individuals with OSA might have trouble staying asleep due to the recurrent episodes of apnea. Morning headaches are another symptom, caused by the low levels of oxygen and high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood during sleep. Although not a classic symptom, polycythemia (an increased number of red blood cells) can occur in chronic cases due to long-term oxygen deprivation. However, pulmonary hypotension is not directly a symptom of OSA but could be a consequence of long-term OSA that has led to heart complications.
To diagnose OSA, a sleep study is usually performed, where the patient is monitored through the night. Treatments may include the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors, and in some cases, supplemental oxygen.