Can Large Tonsils Cause Sleep Apnea?

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Definition

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which pauses in breathing occur during sleep because the airway has become narrowed, blocked, or floppy.

A pause in breathing is referred to as an apnea episode. Almost everyone has brief apnea episodes while they sleep.

This article discusses obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

See also:

  • Central sleep apnea
  • Sleep disorders

Alternative Names

Sleep apnea - obstructive; Apnea - obstructive sleep apnea...

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Obstructive sleep apnea

Massively enlarged tonsils can cause episodes of cessation of breathing known as obstructive sleep apnea. Cessation of breathing can last 10 seconds or longer, causing extremely low levels of oxygen in the blood.... Read more »

7 Things that Worsen Sleep Apnea

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Weight Gain Excess weight increases flab in the throat area that can clog airways. The bad news is that sleep apnea can cause weight gain by increasing the appetite for poor food choices and hormonal changes also lead to weight gain. Also,...