American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon 11-0236LB
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) frequently experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This lung disease impacts millions of Americans and can involve various pulmonary disorders, including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for patients with COPD. Let us assist you in managing your symptoms and enhancing your quality of life. Dr. Husari is board certified in pulmonary medicine and has over 30 years of clinical experience in treating patients with COPD, as well as addressing related issues like sleep apnea.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which a patient's airways become narrowed, inflamed, and swell, similar to symptoms seen in other pulmonary disorders. The airways may produce extra mucus, making them even narrower and more difficult to breathe, which can also be a concern for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or sleep apnea.
Asthma presentation varies, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious issues that interfere with daily activities. In very rare instances, asthma can lead to a life-threatening attack.
Typically, asthma can be managed with rescue inhalers to relieve symptoms. More importantly, maintenance therapy is needed to control lung inflammation and prevent mucus from plugging the airways, along with controller inhalers that prevent symptoms. Severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers to keep the airways open, as well as oral steroids.
Please make sure to inform Dr. Husari and his staff of your daily symptoms and keep a list of all your medications.
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Interstitial Lung Disease encompasses a variety of pulmonary disorders that lead to progressive fibrosis of the lungs and a decline in lung function. This includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and occupational lung disease. Additionally, other disorders like lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) are also considered. It is crucial to address the conditions that cause lung injury and to halt the deterioration of lung function, especially in patients who may also suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or sleep apnea.
Coming: FAQs
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Interstitial Lung Diseases
Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, often referred to simply as sleep apnea, is a sleep disorder characterized by brief and repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The term 'apnea' signifies a breathing pause that lasts for at least ten seconds. This condition occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite the body's efforts to breathe. In contrast, central sleep apnea is another form where the brain does not effectively control breathing during sleep. Notably, obstructive sleep apnea is far more prevalent than central sleep apnea.
Individuals suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may experience fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels, which can exacerbate existing pulmonary disorders, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen deprivation can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension, heart disease, and problems with mood and memory. Additionally, sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of drowsy driving.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Chronic snoring is a strong indicator of sleep apnea, a condition that can also be associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other pulmonary disorders. It is essential to have chronic snoring evaluated by a health professional. Individuals suffering from sleep apnea often experience sleep deprivation, leading to sleeplessness and a range of symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, sexual dysfunction, learning and memory difficulties, and the risk of falling asleep while at work, on the phone, or driving. If left untreated, the symptoms of sleep apnea can escalate to include disturbed sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, or depression.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There are a number of factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea, including having a small upper airway (or large tongue, tonsils, or uvula), being overweight, having a recessed chin, small jaw, or a large overbite, and having a neck size of 17 inches or greater in a man or 16 inches or greater in a woman. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol use, being age 40 or older, and certain ethnic backgrounds (including African-Americans, Pacific-Islanders, and Hispanics) contribute to this risk. Furthermore, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other pulmonary disorders may also experience an increased likelihood of sleep apnea. Interestingly, OSA seems to run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis.
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Treatment for Sleep Apnea
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, particularly if you have a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other pulmonary disorders, the first step is to see your doctor. Bring along a record of your sleep patterns, your fatigue levels throughout the day, and any other symptoms you might be experiencing. It's helpful to ask your bed partner if they notice that you snore heavily, choke, gasp, or stop breathing during sleep. Additionally, make sure to take an updated list of medications, including over-the-counter options, whenever you visit a doctor for the first time. You may also want to check with your medical insurance provider to see if a referral is needed for a visit to a sleep center.
One of the most common methods used to diagnose sleep apnea is a sleep study, which may involve an overnight stay at a sleep center. This study monitors various functions during sleep, such as sleep state, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. This test is crucial not only for diagnosing sleep apnea but also for determining its severity. In some cases, treatment can commence on the first night at the sleep center.
The preferred treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. A CPAP device is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth, gently blowing air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep. This treatment method is highly effective, and using the CPAP as prescribed by your doctor is essential.
Other approaches to treating sleep apnea include dental appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue, upper airway surgery to remove tissue obstructing the airway, nasal expiratory positive airway pressure, where a disposable valve covers the nostrils, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which involves implanting a stimulator in the patient’s chest connected to the hypoglossal nerve that controls tongue movement, as well as a breathing sensor that monitors breathing patterns during sleep.
Making lifestyle changes can significantly mitigate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Here are some tips that may help reduce the severity of your apnea:
- Lose weight. If you are overweight, this is the most important action you can take to potentially cure your sleep apnea (while CPAP only treats the condition, weight loss can cure it in those who are overweight).
- Avoid alcohol; it can lead to frequent nighttime awakenings and relax the upper airway breathing muscles.
- Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking exacerbates swelling in the upper airway, worsening apnea and snoring.
- Some patients with mild sleep apnea or heavy snoring experience fewer breathing problems when lying on their sides instead of their backs.
For more information on how sleep apnea can affect individuals, especially those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other pulmonary disorders, visit: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea