Role of Tongue Fat in The Pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Review Article

Elfeires, Ali Abdullah Amer; Emara, Tarek Abdel Zaher; El-Malt, Ashraf Elsayed; Nada, Mohamad Gamal; Alsayed, Alsayed Abdulmageed

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2023.296402

Role of Tongue Fat in The Pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Review Article

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2023.296402

Abstract

Humans are fortunate to have sleep. A happy, fulfilling life depends on getting a restful night of sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder is characterized by snoring loudly, difficulty breathing, and partial or complete lack of sleep. Systemic side effects from chronic obstructive sleep apnea may affect the cardiovascular system and other important body organs. Although the exact cause is unknown, a number of factors may contribute to this condition. Increased intramuscular fat may impair the tongue's capacity to act as a pharyngeal dilator muscle by changing its shape and decreasing its contractile force. More fat was found in apneic person at the base of the tongue, where the tongue's extrinsic muscles attach to the bone. Each extrinsic muscle's ability to position the tongue correctly away from the airway may be impacted by the increased fat.