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Sleep apnea can be serious if left untreated. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, obesity, diabetes, and other serious medical conditions. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact us to discuss treatment options that will improve your quality of life.
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder where breathing stops during sleep. It happens when the muscles that keep airways open relax too much while sleeping. As a result, the upper airway becomes blocked, and the person wakes up gasping for breath.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea where the soft tissue at the back of the throat muscles relax too much causing an airway obstruction. This causes you to stop breathing during sleep. On the other hand, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing. CSA is caused by some health conditions that affect how your brain controls your airway.
Obesity is one of the main risk factors for developing obstructive sleep apnea. However, there are many other reasons someone might suffer from this disorder. These include:
Genetics
Your family history plays a role in whether you get sleep apnea. If you have relatives who have had a medical history of sleep apnea, you are more likely to experience the same problem.
Aging
The aging process makes your body less elastic and stiffens your neck. This increases the chance of having sleep apnea.
Gender
According to research studies, men are more likely to experience apnea sleep disorder than women.
Some symptoms that people with sleep apnea often experience include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness or tiredness, morning headaches, irritability, mood swings, poor concentration, lack of energy, and difficulty falling asleep at night. Other symptoms include restless leg syndrome, dry mouth, and frequent urination.
If you notice any of these symptoms, we can help determine if sleep anpea might be the cause, and find the right treatment for you. We will examine you to determine whether you have obstructive apnea. Our doctors will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan for treating your sleep apnea.
There are many different types of treatments available for sleep apnea. These include positive airway pressure devices, oral appliances, surgery, and lifestyle changes. We will discuss all the options available so you can make an informed decision regarding which one is right for you.
One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine (CPAP). A CPAP machine delivers a constant stream of air into the nose and mouth to prevent the airway from collapsing and increase oxygen levels. The air pressure keeps the airways open, allowing oxygen to flow smoothly into the lungs.
A BiPAP machine works similarly to a CPAP machine, except it has two air pressure levels. One level is set higher than normal, and the other is lower. When you inhale, the higher pressure pushes against the back of your throat, keeping the airways open. When you exhale, the lower pressure pulls air out of your lungs, helping to reduce the amount of air trapped inside your body.
An oral appliance, also known as a mandibular advancement device, is a custom-made device that fits over the top of your teeth. It holds the jaw forward, preventing the tongue from falling backward and blocking the airway. Mandibular advancement devices are often used as part of a treatment plan for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. This is a great solution for sleep apnea that doesn’t require you to use costly, uncomfortable machines throughout the night.
Other lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea. For example, weight loss helps reduce the load on the airway, making it easier to breathe. If you have positional obstructive sleep apnea, changing the sleep position will help. Also, quitting smoking helps because nicotine constricts blood vessels, causing them to narrow. Quitting smoking can also improve overall health.
When you come into our office for a consultation, we will provide you with information about the various treatment options available. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible care. To schedule an appointment, call us today!
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