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 learns the facts. Commitment to lifestyle changes in diet and exercise have proven beneficial for many.
Request an appointment here: https://www.leedentistryoxford.com/ or call Lee Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (662) 546-1143 for an appointment in our Oxford office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A general dentist can help if you find yourself dealing with tooth pain. As uncomfortable as these sensations can be, they are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. It is typically one of the last symptoms of unaddressed dental issues to show up.Some of the reasons why you might experience toothaches…
It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your smile has lost its luster, a general dentist can help. For effective and long-lasting results, get personalized advice and treatment from the dentist in-office. However, there are general steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your smile. Below…
Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause inflammation of the gumline. Without proper treatment, the gum disease will continue to worsen. Dentists have access to specialized tools that patients cannot use in their homes to remedy the issue. While each person’s oral health situation is unique, most…
General dentists can perform dozens of different procedures, so they may have a long list of offered services. A general dentist focuses on the prevention (and fast restoration) of oral health issues. However, they may also provide more extensive procedures, such as teeth replacement, when necessary.Some general dentistry services are more common than others. Specifically,…
A general dentist can help if you find yourself dealing with tooth pain. As uncomfortable as these sensations can be, they are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. It is typically one of the last symptoms of unaddressed dental issues to show up.Some of the reasons why you might experience toothaches…
It is natural for teeth to discolor over time. If you have noticed that your smile has lost its luster, a general dentist can help. For effective and long-lasting results, get personalized advice and treatment from the dentist in-office. However, there are general steps you can take to improve the whiteness of your smile. Below…