Final answer:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by the collapse of soft tissues in the throat, including the tongue, leading to airway blockage during sleep. Risk factors such as obesity, substance use, and relaxants contribute to the severity. Treatment can range from lifestyle changes to use of CPAP machines.
Step-by-step explanation:
People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) get obstructed airways by the tongue because during sleep, muscle tone decreases allowing soft tissues in the throat, including the tongue, to collapse and obstruct the airway. This is further exacerbated with the use of substances like alcohol, tranquilizers, or muscle relaxants. With obesity, excess adipose tissue in the neck area can also narrow the trachea, contributing to the obstruction.
Common symptoms include loud snoring, restless sleep, and daytime sleepiness which can increase the risk of accidents and lead to other health complications like high blood pressure or fatty liver diseases. Diagnosis typically occurs during a sleep study and treatment options may involve lifestyle changes, CPAP machines to keep the airway open, or even surgery in more extreme cases.