Most people don't know what is sleep apnea but millions of people suffer from it. Like all things common, it goes unnoticed until it starts turning into a problem. A condition that was described by the English novelist Charles Dickens in his book The Pickwick Papers. The book describes a fat boy named Joe having the clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. That is why it used to be termed Pickwickian syndrome. The term was coined by a famous Canadian physician, William Osler. Back then, people still didn't know what are its causes and effects. They only recognize the common symptoms such as snoring and snorting while asleep. They also associate it to people who are overweight. Charles Dickens lived during the 18th century, which means that this sleep disorder is not a new condition. People have been having it since the beginning of time and yet don't know much about it.
In 1965, an extensive study on this sleep disorder started, led by a French doctor named Dr. Gestalt. He conducted studies on people with sleep issues. His studies led to a deeper understanding of this sleep condition. People started to become aware of what is sleep apnea but still cannot find a cure. After more than 10 years, a Harvard physician named Dr. John Remmer finally linked airway obstruction to poor sleep. In 1978, Dr. Remmer coined the term 'obstructive sleep apnea' or OSA. It describes the type of this condition which is characterized by a blocked airway. This connection between airway obstruction leading to OSA paved the way to finding a cure. An Australian physician, Dr. Collin Sullivan, came up with a solution. In 1981, the 'Continuous Positive Airway Pressure' (CPAP) therapy was conceptualized. Along with his associates, they made the first CPAP machine. It is a device used for a method of air pressured respiratory ventilation. At first, the machine was bulky and noisy. But it has rapidly improved and was adapted by various medical companies. When news that a treatment is already available, there was a sudden demand for sleep facilities. Sleep clinics started to be established, which diagnose sleep disorders.
Before the discovery of CPAP, one of the earliest solutions for this sleep disorder was a neck surgery called 'Tracheotomy'. It makes a slit on the neck which will serve as an alternative airway passage. A tube is then inserted in the incision. It allows the person to breathe without the air passing through the nose and mouth. But now, because of the CPAP machine, a surgery is not necessary. Until today, CPAP therapy has become the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Thanks to these physicians, people today already have an understanding on what is sleep apnea. Information is readily available on the internet. Further studies led to finding 3 different types - obstructive, complex and central. Sleep apnea machines and masks already have numerous designs to choose from. There have been a lot of development. All the information and solution we need are made readily available. Its all because of the people behind its discovery and research. It is now up to us to help disseminate this information to save people from this deadly sleep disorder. Sleep apnea symptoms often remain undiagnosed and this could lead to heart related problems. Spread the word and read more on what is sleep apnea. Who knows? The life you save could be your own.
