How can you distinguish between obstructive and central apnea?

Obstructive apnea is characterized by a physical blockage of the upper airway during sleep, which prevents airflow despite the effort to breathe. This blockage can occur due to various factors, such as enlarged tonsils, soft tissue in the throat, or obesity. During obstructive apnea, the brain continues to signal the body to breathe, but the passage is blocked, leading to pauses in breathing.

In contrast, central apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. This means that there is no effort to breathe despite the presence of airflow obstruction. Understanding this distinction is crucial in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea conditions effectively. Recognizing that obstructive apnea is linked specifically to airway blockage helps differentiate it clearly from central apnea.