Obstructive apnea is primarily due to what kind of problem?

Obstructive apnea primarily occurs due to upper airway obstruction, which can happen when the soft tissues in the throat collapse or relax excessively during sleep, temporarily blocking the airway. This scenario is common in infants, especially in preterm neonates whose respiratory systems are still developing. The obstruction prevents airflow despite the effort to breathe, leading to intermittent pauses in breathing.

Upper airway obstruction can also lead to inadequate oxygenation and potential respiratory distress, highlighting the importance of monitoring the upper airway in neonates, particularly those with conditions that may predispose them to such issues. In contrast, the other options, while they may contribute to breathing difficulties in general, do not specifically characterize the mechanism behind obstructive apnea. For instance, skeletal muscle weakness pertains more to central respiratory problems, while neurological deficits might contribute to central apnea rather than obstructive events. Environmental irritants may aggravate breathing issues but do not directly cause the anatomical blockage that characterizes obstructive apnea.