Are those with Sleep Apnea More at Risk for Coronavirus?
Because this virus is new, scientists and doctors are still working to understand how it operates and who it affects the most. What we do know is that two significant factors related to OSA are also linked to a higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. These two factors are chronic health conditions and age. There is also evidence of a third risk factor sleep aspiration related to people using a CPAP machine.
Underlying Health Conditions
Coronavirus has caused a higher mortality rate for patients with underlying health conditions. These include chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung ailments, and respiratory diseases, like COPD and sleep apnea. According to the CDC, the fatality rate for patients with other health problems ranges from 6 to 10.5%. Compared to 0.9% for otherwise healthy patients.
Sleep apnea has link to other conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Which means that these patients are likely included in this higher risk category.
Age
Since the outbreak began, doctors have noted a correlation between the rate of serious complications from Coronavirus and age. For example, older patients seemed to be more susceptible to pneumonia. Which can be deadly. Some doctors hypothesize that this link is due to an age-related weakening of the immune system and increased inflammation response.
Sleep apnea is more prevalent among แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ patients over the age of 65. Because patients with sleep apnea are more likely to be older, they are also more at risk for experiencing complications from the Coronavirus.
Sleep Aspiration
Unlike the common cold or flu, which starts in the nose and throat and affects the upper respiratory tract, this virus tends to affect the lower airways. The Coronavirus infects the cells below the voice box and gets deep into the lungs. This can happen through inhaled air, but also from the aspiration of fluid from the nose and saliva that drains from the mouth down a person’s throat.
Aspiration is normal and it happens more often while a person is sleeping. Aspirated fluids can carry bacteria and pathogens that can lead to pneumonia, especially in older patients and those with lung damage, from smoking or chronic asthma for example.
This is important for patients using CPAP devices to understand because proper hygiene and safety measures are needed to ensure that the pressurized air does not facilitate the pathway for contagions. Keep using your CPAP machine though; getting a full night’s rest is crucial to staying healthy. Read below for more specific advice.