Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Sleep Apnea
Moderate
3
Symptoms
4
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the body does not produce enough growth hormone. In children, it can result in slower growth and shorter stature, while in adults it may affect body composition, bone health, muscle mass, energy, and quality of life. The condition may result from problems affecting the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, genetic conditions, injury, tumors, or other medical disorders.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes very shallow during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. Another form, central sleep apnea, occurs when the brain does not send appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Symptoms may include loud snoring, pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Fatigue Muscle CrampsOnly in Right Disease
Cold Sweats Excessive Sleepiness Swollen AnklesCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Genetics Hormonal ImbalanceOnly in Right Disease
Alcohol Infection Smoking StressDiagnosis
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Diagnosis requires assessment of growth patterns, medical history, physical development, and other hormone-related findings. Blood testing may measure growth hormone-related markers such as insulin-like growth factor 1, while stimulation testing may be used because growth hormone levels naturally fluctuate. Imaging of the pituitary region and other tests may help identify an underlying cause.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is evaluated using symptoms, sleep history, and information from a sleep partner when available. A sleep study can monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other body functions during sleep. Testing may be performed in a sleep center or, for some people, at home. The results help determine whether apnea is present and what type and severity of disorder exists.
Prevention
Growth Hormone Deficiency
There is no established way to prevent all cases of growth hormone deficiency, particularly when it results from genetic or congenital conditions. Protecting children from serious head injury, receiving appropriate care for conditions affecting the brain or pituitary gland, and obtaining timely evaluation of unexplained growth problems may help identify and manage the condition early.
Sleep Apnea
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of obstructive sleep apnea or lessen its severity. Avoiding alcohol and sedating medicines before sleep, when medically appropriate, can also help. Sleeping on the side may reduce airway obstruction in some people. Avoiding tobacco and treating nasal or other airway problems can support healthy breathing during sleep. People with symptoms should seek medical evaluation.
Risk Factors
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Risk factors include genetic or congenital disorders, diseases affecting the pituitary or hypothalamus, brain tumors, head injury, surgery or radiation involving the brain, and certain inflammatory or infectious conditions. Children with unexplained poor growth may require evaluation for growth hormone deficiency and other causes of short stature.
Sleep Apnea
Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include excess body weight, a larger neck circumference, certain facial or airway structures, older age, and a family history of the disorder. Alcohol and sedating medicines can worsen airway obstruction during sleep. Smoking may also increase risk. Central sleep apnea is associated with certain heart, brain, and medical conditions and with some medicines.
Treatment
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Sleep Apnea
Treatment comparison will be available soon.