Sleep apnea is a disorder with potentially serious consequences. It causes a person to experience interrupted breathing while he or she is asleep. Those with this disorder often stop breathing continuously throughout the night. Certain individuals who have participated in studies at sleep apnea centers have found that they unknowingly stopped breathing hundreds of times in an eight hour period. Fortunately, treatments are available for this disorder.
Obstructive and central are the two types of sleep apnea from which one can suffer. Obstructive is more commonly seen than central, but the side effects of both are equally as dangerous. The obstructive form of the condition is characterized by complete or partial blockage of the individual's upper respiratory airway. When breathing returns to normal, it is usually accompanied with a loud gasping sound or a sudden jerk of the person's body. This kind of apnea can be the result of numerous factors, including pulmonary disorders, sleeping in awkward positions, cardiac disease, deviated septum, asthma, allergies, and obesity.
Those suffering from central sleep apnea do not have obstructions, but rather they are experiencing a problem in their central nervous system. Their brains do not send the appropriate signals to their muscles, and therefore their respiratory systems do not properly function during the night. It is not yet known why the central nervous system malfunctions this way in some individuals.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
Symptoms of the disorder are often observed by others who live in the household prior to the patient himself or herself realizing that the condition is present. One of the most common symptoms is loud snoring. Couples frequently state that the partner who is afflicted with the disorder jolts awake several times during the night, even though he or she does not realize this is happening.
There are many devices that can be used by those who suffer from this disorder in order to ensure a good night's sleep. These include BPAP masks and similar devices that help to keep the airway clear and opened when one is asleep. However, it is important to seek medical evaluation before using such equipment to treat the condition.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
Obstructive and central are the two types of sleep apnea from which one can suffer. Obstructive is more commonly seen than central, but the side effects of both are equally as dangerous. The obstructive form of the condition is characterized by complete or partial blockage of the individual's upper respiratory airway. When breathing returns to normal, it is usually accompanied with a loud gasping sound or a sudden jerk of the person's body. This kind of apnea can be the result of numerous factors, including pulmonary disorders, sleeping in awkward positions, cardiac disease, deviated septum, asthma, allergies, and obesity.
Those suffering from central sleep apnea do not have obstructions, but rather they are experiencing a problem in their central nervous system. Their brains do not send the appropriate signals to their muscles, and therefore their respiratory systems do not properly function during the night. It is not yet known why the central nervous system malfunctions this way in some individuals.
Interestingly, statistics show that there are more male patients in this category than there are females. One in every ten women are afflicted with the disorder, while as many as one in four males suffer from the condition. Scientists have not yet determined why this is the case. The condition is especially common in obese persons, and does not typically manifest until one is over the age of forty.
Symptoms of the disorder are often observed by others who live in the household prior to the patient himself or herself realizing that the condition is present. One of the most common symptoms is loud snoring. Couples frequently state that the partner who is afflicted with the disorder jolts awake several times during the night, even though he or she does not realize this is happening.
There are many devices that can be used by those who suffer from this disorder in order to ensure a good night's sleep. These include BPAP masks and similar devices that help to keep the airway clear and opened when one is asleep. However, it is important to seek medical evaluation before using such equipment to treat the condition.
In certain cases, procedures can be performed to trim the soft palate, and subsequently lessen the patient's symptoms. This largely depends on the type of sleep apnea from which one is suffering, as well as his or her overall health. There are also simple treatments for the disorder, such as losing weight and positioning oneself better prior to falling asleep.
Heart arrhythmias and lack of oxygen to vital organs are 2 detrimental side effects associated with this sleeping disorder. Therefore, it is wise for patients to pursue help at sleep apnea centers where experts can evaluate their situation. Those who suspect they have the aforementioned condition should schedule a consultation with a medical doctor as soon as possible.
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