Patients who are afflicted with sleep apnea often experience a variety of symptoms during sleep, including snoring, irregular breathing patterns or even stopped breath. The condition can have long-term effects on the people who suffer from it, so it is important to know the facts to treat it effectively and improve overall health in patients.
It is commonly said that knowledge is power. Learn as much as possible about sleep apnea to separate fact from fiction.
Some patients are surprised to learn that there are several varieties of this condition. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent. It is characterized by incorrect posture in the throat muscles, which leads to snoring, low blood pressure and shortness of breath. The second most common type is central sleep apnea, which is caused by the brain communicating in the wrong way to the breathing muscles during sleep. Finally, some patients are diagnosed with complex sleep apnea syndrome. This is a combination of the obstructive and central types.
A common misconception of sleep apnea is that it always causes those who suffer from it to snore loudly and frequently. While the disorder can cause many patients to snore, not all people do so. Each person’s airway is unique, so many people with the disorder may not realize they have it. Look for other symptoms such as chronic fatigue, mood swings from exhaustion and startling breathing patterns during sleep, like gasping or choking.
Medical researchers have established a strong connection between obesity and sleep apnea in patients. With weight gain comes extra deposits of fat in the chest and neck, which can impede correct breathing during sleep. Many doctors recommend that overweight or obese patients begin a weight loss regime of healthier diet options and moderate exercise to minimize the effects.
This sleep disorder is most often found in overweight men older than 45, but women and children of all ages and weights have developed the condition. Some studies report that men have double the chance as women to develop sleep apnea.
Many doctors consider patients with sleep apnea to have higher chances of having strokes, blood clots and high blood pressure. When the body does not receive appropriate amounts of oxygen, the heart can be endangered. Strengthen the pulmonary and respiratory systems with healthy diet and exercise.
Depending on the type of sleep apnea a patient suffers from, typical sleeping posture and overall health, a doctor may prescribe the use of several different devices for patients. A common treatment is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask. Other devices include oxygen nose tubes, humidifiers and snore guards.
A diagnosis of sleep apnea can be reversed if a patient learn the facts. Commitment to lifestyle changes in diet and exercise have proven beneficial for many.
Request an appointment here: https://columbiadentaloffice.com or call Columbia Advanced Dental Studio at (410) 635-5105 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Have you considered turning to cosmetic dentistry services to restore your smile? If you do not like the way your teeth look, there are solutions. Your cosmetic dentist has multiple options to help you feel good about the way you look once more. You no longer have to hide your face or avoid being around…
General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement.…
Many individuals are apprehensive about finding a restorative dentist. They want a dentist who can help them restore their smile to look more natural and appealing. This field of dentistry is concerned with repairing damage to the teeth and restoring normal dental functions.The restorative dentist must be ready to listen to their patients about their…
Most parents do not take their children to see a family dentist until they are well over two years of age. Dental professionals recommend that a child should visit the dentist within six months after teething starts. Baby teeth often start coming in from six months of age. Continue reading to learn more about children’s…