Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Causes
The shape of neck and head may make airway smaller than normal. Large tonsils, being obese, tongue and throat muscles are relaxed than Norman when sleeping, smoking, nasal congestion and it can also be hereditary.
Sleep Apnea Definition
This is a disorder that is distinguished by pauses in breathing during sleep. Episodes known as apneas lasts long enough that one or more breathes is missed which occur frequently during sleep. Episodes happen between a minimum of 10 minutes interval.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Before consulting a doctor you can ask someone or your spouse to keep a record if you are snoring loudly or trouble in breathing. You can also use a recorder to record snoring or difficulty in breathing. With the record in hand consult a physician he will examine your mouth and nose to check for obstructions and might perform other tests like endoscopy of nose and throat, x-rays or CT scan of the head.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs
Frequent pauses in breathing when sleeping Gasping or choking Snoring loudly Sudden awakening Waking up sweaty Waking up in the morning unrefreshed Sore throat, headaches or dry mouth Daytime sleepiness
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The use of positive airway pressure (PAP) device is the most common treatment. Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is also prescribed by a dentist specializing in sleep orders to shift the lower jaw forward to open up the airway. For central sleep apnea (CSA) sleeping in the lateral position is helpful. Medications also help such as Acetazolamide that decreases lower blood and encourage respiration. For severe cases surgery and anesthesia inpatients are done.