Sleep apnea is a condition marked by abnormal breathing during sleep. People with this condition have multiple prolonged pauses in breath when they sleep. These temporary lapses in breathing cause lower quality sleep and affect oxygen delivery to the body, leading to potentially serious health consequences.
Three types of sleep apnea are distinguished:
- Obstructive sleep apnea - occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes physically blocked. This obstruction causes temporary gaps in breathing.
- Central sleep apnea - there is a problem with the brain's control system of the muscles involved in breathing, resulting in slower and shallower breathing.
- Mixed (complex) sleep apnoea - when obstructive and central sleep apnoea occur together.
The most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its noticeable sign is snoring.
Signs and symptoms of OSA include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Sudden awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath or choking
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Mood swings, such as depression or irritability
- High blood pressure
- Night sweats
- Reduced libido
Reasons:
Men are up to two, three times more likely to have OSA than women. Age and obesity are considered the most common risk factors. Smoking, family history, people with upper respiratory tract abnormalities such as enlarged tonsils, larger upper jaw and also patients with nasal problems are also influential.
Treatment of OSA:
- First of all, slimming and sleeping posture on one side is recommended.
- Another common treatment is the use of a device, or so-called sleep apnea machine. The purpose of the device is to cause air to be forced through a mask into the airways to keep them open during sleep.
- Some types of mouthpieces that hold the jaw or tongue in a certain position are an option for people with certain anatomical characteristics. In addition, surgery to remove tissue and widen the airway may be considered.
Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may recommend a test such as a polysomnogram, a painless and non-invasive procedure, and recommend a specific treatment based on the results.
Because of how it affects the oxygen balance in the body, untreated sleep apnea increases the dangers of various types of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.For more information, we at Medical Carragee are at your service.
Call us on the following numbers "Medical Karaj": 0879 977 401 or 0879 977 402.
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