Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder many people suffer from. Essentially, it is when breathing stops while sleeping. While this is considered a serious medical condition, the consequences of having sleep apnea usually do not pose a health risk. However, sometimes it can be dangerous, so you should always speak to your doctor upon noticing the symptoms. Surprisingly, many people who suffer from this condition do not even realize it.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax while someone is sleeping, which causes the airway to close. This is also one of the main causes of snoring, although obstructive sleep apnea is more severe. When someone suffers from this condition, the back and the throat and the soft palate pinch together, which closes the airway and prevents air from passing into the lungs through the mouth or the nose.
It is natural for the body to relax while sleeping, but some muscles are not supposed to do so. The muscles in the back of the throat create the support structure in the airway, and if these muscles relax too much, sleep apnea occurs. When this happens, the brain will usually recognize the lack of air and wake the sleeper up, which corrects the blocked airway. It is common not to remember waking up.
Because the condition only manifests when sleeping, it is possible to have sleep apnea and not even realize it. It is easier to recognize when sleeping with a partner or with someone else in the room. Another person may notice the symptoms when the sleeper cannot. In particular, sleep apnea usually causes loud snoring, which can be disruptive for other people trying to sleep. There are other symptoms, some of which may occur while awake:
If you may suffer from this condition, it is important to speak with a doctor immediately. Suffocation is not a risk, but sleep apnea can cause spikes in blood pressure, which can create life-threatening problems. Additionally, it can make it dangerous to receive sedation for any surgeries.
Sleep apnea is overwhelmingly more likely to occur in overweight individuals. However, it is possible to suffer from it at any weight. Additionally, men are more likely to suffer from it than women, as are people with high blood pressure. Other conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, may also increase the chances of suffering from it.
The most common solutions involve using a device while sleeping. This may take the form of a mouthguard or a more complicated electrical device. It may be possible to receive surgery to correct sleep apnea, too.
People who suspect they may have sleep apnea should speak to a medical professional. Seeking treatment for this condition is important for one's overall health and well-being.
Request an appointment here: https://bohndental.com or call Michael M. Bohn, DDS at (559) 468-1119 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Fresno, CA.
Various situations exist where a dentist would recommend tooth extraction. Specific symptoms present themselves to let you know it might be a possibility. A dentist will confirm that a tooth extraction is the way to go. If you know what to look for, you will be able to tell when you need to visit your…
Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…
Extreme tooth pain often leads to an appointment with a general dentist for an exam of the mouth to reveal the source of the problem. If a tooth infection is discovered, it is important to follow the advice of the dentist, as these do not go away on their own. A dentist may address the…
When a patient has a cavity, a general dentist thoroughly takes out all the decayed area of the tooth and replaces it with a filling in the empty space to prevent future decay. When it comes to the type of filling, there are various options from which the patient may choose. They each have advantages…