Many people suffer from various sleeping disorders that hinder them from getting a good night’s sleep. One perfect example of this is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway is blocked partially or entirely, and the body has to double its effort to pull in air.
Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by several things, such as morbid obesity, large tonsils, or even a small jaw, but these aren’t the only things that can potentially cause one to suffer from it. Additionally, people who have an anatomy that is more likely to succumb to snoring and sleep apnea are more likely to have this disorder; it’s a type of genetic hazard. Not many people realize the gravity of this issue, which is why we’re here to help.
This article will discuss everything there is to know about obstructive sleep apnea. Read on below to get started.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is an illness that comes with some pretty severe symptoms. The most common ones that a person might experience are distressingly astounding.
Some of the most typical symptoms a sufferer would have are:
- Interrupted sleep
- Forgetfulness
- High blood pressure
- Morning headaches
- Night sweats
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness or fatigue during daytime
- Trouble concentrating
- Waking up suddenly and feeling like you’re choking or gasping for air
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
There are a good number of things that can cause obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some of the most common ones:
Age and Gender
Adult men, especially overweight and older adults, are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.
Other Illnesses
Obstructive sleep apnea can sometimes happen if other illnesses are present.
Family History
A family history of sleep apnea can make a person more likely to develop this disorder.
Nasal Allergies or Obstructions
Common nasal problems, like nasal allergies or nasal obstruction, can sometimes cause it.
Obesity
Obesity happens to be one of the most common things that cause apnea.
Chronic Sedatives or Alcohol
Chronic use of sedatives or alcohol can also cause obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, a physical examination is needed to ensure that no other factors could be causing the disorder. If the condition is present, the doctor may recommend a polysomnogram, a sleep test that measures the brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate and breathing patterns in great detail during sleep.
Luckily, modern technology has allowed at-home testing—the MediByte Jr. The patient can take home this device and perform a simple sleep test to determine the severity of their condition, all from the comfort of their own bed.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are different ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea. These include:
Weight Loss
Obese patients who have sleep apnea should be aware that their weight could be playing a large role in their severity of sleep apnea. Weight loss could reduce their sleep apnea issues and even help with other health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Avoiding Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much can aggravate sleep apnea symptoms, so it’s best to avoid drinking, especially before going to bed.
Use Nasal Sprays
If you have nasal congestion causing your sleep apnea, the doctor may prescribe you spray decongestants to help you breathe better and sleep better.
Using Oral Devices
An OSA dental appliance is a great solution for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea as it helps to keep the airway open while you are asleep. SomnoMed Oral Devices, for example, are expertly designed to help alleviate the effects and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Using a CPAP Machine
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is to use a CPAP machine. This is short for continuous positive airway pressure; the machine creates air pressure in the airway to prevent it from falling asleep. When this device is used, the patient breathes through the mouth and nose, using the air pressure system to keep their airway open while they sleep.
Conclusion
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that many people suffer from. Fortunately, there are ways to treat it. Discuss with your doctor to see which options will be best for you.