The patient slept sitting up continuously for 7 months.

The patient had visited numerous hospitals and received various diagnoses and treatments for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, but the symptoms did not improve and continued to worsen.

On December 26th, Dr. Nguyen Cong Truong, from the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Department at Military Hospital 175 – the doctor directly treating patient T. – stated that after admission, thorough examination and consultation led the department to suspect the patient had obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Subsequently, the patient underwent a professional consultation and polysomnography.

The results identified the patient as having severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, with a high sleep apnea index. The patient underwent treatment with non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support and responded well.

Currently, after treatment, the patient is able to sleep in a normal position, sleeps better, has a significantly improved quality of life, and has been discharged from the hospital.

Patient T. poses for a photo with doctors and nurses on the day of discharge.

A sleep-related respiratory disorder

Dr. Nguyen Hai Cong, Head of the Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Department at Military Hospital 175, explained that CPAP machines create a continuous stream of positive pressure air into the respiratory tract. This air pressure supports the pharyngeal and respiratory muscles, preventing them from collapsing. Therefore, the patient's airway remains open, ensuring uninterrupted breathing. The machine is connected to the patient via a nasal cannula, nasal catheter, or mask. Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms primarily occur during sleep, so patients only use the machine while sleeping.

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related respiratory disorder, characterized by episodes of apnea, hypopnea, and labored breathing awakenings due to partial or complete closure of the upper airway during sleep. While no statistics are available in Vietnam, globally , this condition affects approximately 15% of men and about 5% of women. High-risk groups include men, older age, obesity, neck circumference over 40 cm, and a thick, enlarged tongue.

According to one study, moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea affects 63% of overweight men. The main symptoms of this syndrome are excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, snoring, or signs of apnea, hypopnea, choking, and gasping for breath during sleep, as observed by a roommate.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disorders.

According to Dr. Trinh Duc Loi, a specialist in Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a relatively new condition in Vietnam. If not diagnosed early and treated correctly, it increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disorders such as resistant hypertension, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, stroke, and increased insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. In particular, patients experience constant fatigue, reduced concentration, and decreased work efficiency. It also poses a potential risk of traffic accidents while driving and occupational accidents.

"Therefore, when patients have risk factors and suspected symptoms such as being overweight, snoring, reduced daytime concentration, frequent drowsiness, etc., they should immediately go to reputable medical facilities for examination and polysomnography testing. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment to minimize serious complications or related accidents," Dr. Loi further shared.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/hy-huu-benh-nhan-ngu-ngoi-lien-tuc-7-thang-185231226145301139.htm