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'''Hypopnea (sometimes spelled ''hypopnœa'')''' is a medical term for a disorder which involves episodes of overly shallow breathing on the order of 30-50% of normal respiration or an abnormally low [[respiratory rate]]. This differs from [[apnea]] in that there remains some flow of air. Hypopnea events may happen while asleep or while awake.
During sleep, hypopnea is classed as a [[sleep disorder]]. With moderate to severe hypopnea, sleep is disturbed such that patients may get a full night's sleep but still not feel rested because they did not get the right kind of sleep. The disruption in breathing may cause a drop in [[blood oxygen level]], which may , in turn , disrupt the [[stages of sleep]].
Hypopneas may be obstructive in nature which means that the airway has closed to some extent. Hypopneas may also be "central" in nature where the airway is completely open. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure can be used to alleviate obstructive hypopneas but will not help if the hypopneas are central in nature.
* Snoring during the event
Daytime hypopnea events are mostly limited to those with severely compromised respiratory muscles, as occurs in some neuromuscular diseases. Similarly, daytime hypopnea can also cause a drop in blood oxygen level."
Apnea: 80% to 100% reduction in airflow for >= 10 seconds<br />
Hypopnea: 50% to 80% reduction in airflow for >= 10 seconds<br />
Flow Limitation: <50% reduction in airflow for >= 10 seconds<br />
[[Category:Medical terms]]
[[Category:Conditions]][[Category:OSA]][[Category:Symptoms]]
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