Shadowing Experience: Sleep Apnea

Written by Aanya Deshpande

In my experience with shadowing my doctor, I have received the opportunity to learn more about many diseases and conditions children may have. One of the more extreme conditions I have learned about is sleep apnea. At first, I did not know what sleep apnea was, or its effects. Then, I witnessed a family in the doctor’s office with a history of sleep apnea, and I now understand how negatively sleep apnea can affect people.

For some background, sleep apnea is a disorder that any child or adult can face, but it is lethal. Sleep apnea is a common condition in which one’s breathing can stop and restart in one's sleep. Frequent symptoms of sleep apnea can include gasping for air during sleep and loud snoring. There are two main types of sleep apnea; obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. This type of sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked randomly during sleep. Obesity, large tonsils, or a change in hormonal levels can cause blockage in the upper airway. Central sleep apnea is when the brain forgets to send the necessary signals to breathe. Health conditions and genetics can affect the brain’s signals, such as hormonal changes, heart failure, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). External factors can also cause central sleep apnea, such as opioid and alcohol use. Treatments for sleep apnea include breathing devices, oral devices, or surgical procedures to remove tonsils.

I felt empathetic towards the family because of how extreme this condition seemed. However, while being exposed to a medical environment, I have learned not only about diseases and disorders, but I have learned how to connect with people. I was able to communicate with the patients and put them at ease because of the research I conducted before the appointment. My goal at that moment was to provide the patients with hope, even if it was for just a second. Understanding the patient and their problems demonstrates hard work and dedication to help them through anything. This was one of the most fundamental skills I learned while shadowing, and I will never forget it.

SOURCES: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-apnea

Written by Aanya Deshpande from MEDILOQUY