【Common Diseases】Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

😴 Sleep Apnea Guide (Hong Kong Edition)

In recent years, Hong Kong residents have faced high stress levels, long work hours, a Westernized diet, and rising obesity rates. Sleep apnea is no longer a problem limited to a select few. I've heard friends who, after constantly waking up and struggling to sleep in the sun, eventually discovered they had OSA through sleep testing. According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and numerous international medical studies, OSA is a condition in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing airflow to suspend or decrease. This can lead to low blood oxygen levels, severely impair sleep quality, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term.

1️⃣ Causes and high-risk factors (common in Hong Kong)

In Hong Kong, the following factors are likely to increase the risk of OSA:

  • Obesity (especially a thick neck and high BMI)
  • Narrowing of the upper airway structures (enlarged tonsils, retracted tongue, and a tortuous nasal septum)
  • Increasing age (more common in middle age and older)
  • Male (male patients are more common than female patients)
  • Drinking alcohol or taking sedatives (which relax muscles and make the airway more collapsible)
  • Familial inheritance (upper respiratory tract structural characteristics)

Hong Kong urbanites are particularly susceptible to the virus due to their late nights, frequent social engagements, and common drinking habits. In addition, their living spaces are small and they lack exercise.

2️⃣ Main symptoms

  • Loud, continuous snoring (with pauses in breathing)
  • Sudden gasping or choking sensation during sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness and decreased concentration
  • Morning headache
  • Irritability and memory loss
  • Decreased sexual function (in men)

If left untreated for a long time, it will increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes .

3️⃣ Diagnostic methods (common procedures in Hong Kong)

🩺 Polysomnography

  • Overnight stay at a hospital or sleep center to monitor brain waves, blood oxygen levels, breathing, heart rate, and muscle activity
  • A portable sleep monitor (Home Sleep Test ) is also an option, which is convenient for you to do at home.
  • The severity of the disease is determined by the **Apnea Index (AHI):
    • Mild: 5-15 times/hour
    • Moderate: 15-30 times/hour
    • Severe: >30 times/hour

4️⃣ Medical treatment methods (available in Hong Kong)

💨Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

  • Principle : Delivers a steady flow of air through a nasal or facial mask to prevent airway collapse
  • Suitable for : moderate to severe OSA patients
  • Effect : Significantly improve sleep quality and reduce cardiovascular risk
  • Hong Kong : Private clinics, hospitals, and some medical equipment companies can rent or purchase these devices, with prices ranging from approximately HK$4,000 to HK$10,000.

🦷 Mandibular advancement device (oral appliance)

  • Principle : fix the lower jaw slightly forward to increase airway space
  • Suitable for : Mild patients or those who cannot adapt to CPAP
  • Hong Kong situation : It needs to be made by a dental specialist, and the cost is several thousand to tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.

🔪 Surgical treatment

  • Common surgeries :
    • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
    • Septoplasty
    • Tonsillectomy
    • Mandibular advancement surgery
  • Suitable for : patients with obvious structural obstruction and ineffective other treatments
  • Hong Kong : Performed by an ENT or oral and maxillofacial surgeon

💊 Weight control and lifestyle improvement

  • Weight loss can significantly improve airway obstruction
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives before bed
  • Sleeping on your side reduces tongue drop

5️⃣ Daily Improvement and Self-Management (Editor’s Tips)

  • Weight loss : Reducing BMI to a healthy range (<25) can significantly reduce OSA severity
  • Sleeping position adjustment : Try sleeping on your side instead of sleeping on your back
  • Avoid drinking at night : Alcohol relaxes muscles and exacerbates airway collapse
  • Regular work and rest schedule : Fixed sleep time to reduce sleep deprivation
  • Nasal congestion treatment : If you have rhinitis or nasal allergies, treat the nasal congestion problem first
  • Regular check-ups : After diagnosis, follow-up visits should be conducted regularly to check the effectiveness of treatment.

6️⃣ Common myths among Hong Kong patients

  • “Is snoring sleep apnea?” ❌
    Snoring is a common symptom, but it does not necessarily mean OSA and requires a sleep test to confirm.
  • "CPAP is too troublesome, is it worth it?" ❌
    Long-term use of CPAP can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease and improve quality of life.
  • "If you lose weight, you will be fine?" ❌
    Weight loss can improve symptoms, but some patients with structural obstruction require treatment even at a normal weight.

7️⃣ Editor’s Summary

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring; it's a serious condition that can impact heart health, cerebrovascular safety, and even life expectancy. If you frequently feel groggy after falling asleep, or your partner says you're dying in your sleep, don't delay and seek a referral from your family doctor or an ENT specialist for a sleep test. Early diagnosis and treatment can truly improve your life and health.

Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.

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