On April 3, the Central Endocrinology Hospital admitted male patient T.T.D, weighing 175kg, who was admitted to the hospital with severe difficulty breathing, heart failure and enlarged legs, making him unable to move on his own. The patient was urgently put on a ventilator and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for special monitoring.
After medical history, it was known that patient D had chronic gout 10 years ago. In the 2 weeks before being admitted to the hospital, patient D gained more than 10kg uncontrollably due to consuming many sweet drinks ( Milk tea, soft drinks, ...).
According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Dang Quan, Deputy Head of the Intensive Care Unit: Through clinical examination and testing results, patient D. was diagnosed with sleep apnea syndrome. This syndrome is common in patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as: obesity, gout, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, cerebral coronary artery disease...
According to MSc. Quan, in overweight and obese people, fat often accumulates a lot around the neck and upper respiratory tract, narrowing the airways, especially during sleep. Chest and abdominal fat also reduces lung capacity and increases oxygen needs. All of these factors lead to a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - a very common condition in obese people.
If not detected and treated promptly, this syndrome can lead to serious complications such as myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular complications or prolonged high blood pressure.
Sleep apnea is often overlooked because of its symptoms that are easily confused with other health problems. Some typical signs such as prolonged snoring are the most common symptoms. Patients often have short-term sleep apnea, then rapid breathing, even as if they are "threatened" by air. Snoring is worse when lying on your back, reduced when lying on your side.
Day-long fatigue: Even with good sleep, the patient still feels lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, easily irritable and has mood swings.
Daytime sleepiness: Can fall asleep while working, even while driving - very dangerous.
Headache after waking up: Due to reduced brain oxygen during sleep.
People with diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders should proactively go to the doctor if they have the above signs, to promptly detect and treat sleep apnea syndrome - avoiding serious consequences for health and life.
