A member asked:

Can you die from obstructive sleep apnea?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Michael Depietro answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Indirectly: Untreated sleep apnea causes drops in oxygen levels during sleep, this causes a release of catecholamines which are of "stress hormones". Over time this can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension. Overtime these can lead to death. In addition the sleep deprivation leads to increase car accidents, which can be fatal. Treatment helps avoid this.

Answered 5/25/2015

6k views

Thank

Yes: Severe osa can kill. If encounter illness, require more gas exchange to maintain oxygen and acid-base balance. If unable to meet this demand, carbon dioxide builds up and, at high levels, is an anesthetic. If not intervened, will die rapidly. I intubate people literally on death's door from osa daily. Same can happen with even low doses of narcotics with osa.

Answered 7/24/2018

6k views

Thank
Dr. Swati Avashia answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Yes: It increases you risk of heart attacks, stroke, and car accidents.

Answered 3/26/2013

6k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Can one have both sleep apneas & narcolepsy?

12 doctors weighed in across 3 answers