Obstructive sleep apnea affects up to four percent of middle-aged adults, yet often goes undiagnosed. As with other sleep disorders, sufferers often experience sleepiness during the day, irritability and a number of other health problems. However, there are apnea treatment options, including surgery, that can relieve the symptoms of the condition. If you suspect that you have apnea, then read on for a list of symptoms to look for and options for treating the condition.
Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea repeatedly go through cycles of sleep, snoring, obstruction, waking up and then falling back to sleep again throughout the night. Some patients with severe apnea may have episodes of upper airway obstruction a hundred or more times in one hour. Some patients have airway obstruction because of a small or receding jaw that results in insufficient room for the tongue. The size of the individual's neck can also be a contributing factor, as it can affect air flow.
Sleep apnea can come with other health conditions. Cardiovascular disease is common in patients. Hypertension and obesity increase the risk of cardiac disease and are frequent findings in patients with this sleep disorder. Patients with apnea who are smokers may also have coronary artery disease and obstructive airway disease. Psychosocial problems are common in patients who have sleep apnea. These patients often have depression, mood changes, poor memory, irritability and impaired concentration. Nocturnal panic attacks have also been associated with this sleep disorder.
Sleep medicine isn't enough to treat apnea. Specialists usually recommend weight loss, and dental devices that modify the position of the tongue or jaw. Some doctors may prescribe the use of a CPAP mask. With this method, straps hold the mask firmly over the nose and the CPAP machine that generates the positive airway pressure sits on a table next to the bed. CPAP treatment is used in most patients who have sleep apnea. Jaw surgery is the most invasive surgical procedure used to treat this malady. The surgical procedure may be limited to pulling the tongue forward. An extensive procedure may entail moving both the mandible and maxilla. Extensive jaw surgery has a higher complication rate and a longer recovery time.
The severity of the symptoms will vary by patient, but it's important to seek help as soon as possible because the condition can severely affect your overall health. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness which can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can improve your quality of life.
Do not let sleep disorders ruin your health as well as your personal relationship. Many couples have been driven to sleep in separate bedrooms since one of the partners had severe snoring problems. Snoring is a sign of a health problem and if it is severe enough, it also can be a threat to your life. Some patients must sleep with special breathing machines to push oxygen into their lungs. A sleep disorder can be extremely serious. If you are an individuals that has chronic difficulty sleeping, feel overly exhausted no matter how many hours of sleep you have gotten or have people complaining about your snoring, you must get information. Discover that information by going here:
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