Apnea Obstructive Sleep Syndrome
Sleep Apnea CauseAre you a victim of sleep apnea? This article has information that will help you know whether or not you have this dangerous syndrome. It also has important information about possible treatments if you do have sleep apnea. So be sure to read this article clear through to the end so you won't miss any of this vital information.
Millions of men, women, and children across the United States suffer from the effects of apnea obstructive sleep syndrome. This form of apnea is the most common and is a result of relaxed throat muscles blocking the airway.
Although most common among men, overweight individuals, and older adults anyone can be afflicted with obstructive apnea.
What is the Cause of Apnea Obstructive Sleep Syndrome?
The muscles in the back of the throat support soft tissues such as the uvula, tonsils, tongue, and soft palate. When the muscles relax soft tissues drop into the airway obstructing regular airflow, which causes blood oxygen levels to drop and you wake short of breath.
What are the Symptoms of Obstructive Apnea?
There are several symptoms associated with obstructive apnea some of which overlap symptoms of other types of apnea and other illnesses in general. If you experience any combination of the following symptoms, you should discuss them with your physician for proper diagnosis. Obstructive apnea symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, sore throat, insomnia or hypersomnia, shortness of breath, and short non-breathing episodes.
How is Obstructive Apnea Treated?
Treatment options for obstructive apnea depend on the severity of each individual case. For milder cases, your doctor may suggest weight loss, wearing oral appliances to ensure proper airflow when sleeping or to stop drinking and smoking. For more severe cases, your physician may prescribe devices such as CPAP, which continuously force air through a nose piece to keep the airway open. Removal of enlarged tonsils or other soft tissues that can obstruct the airway and vibrate to cause snoring as well as constructive surgeries such as straightening a deviated septum may be required to alleviate obstructive apnea symptoms.
Treatable and sometimes curable
Apnea obstructive sleep syndrome is treatable and sometimes curable. Discuss all symptoms, preexisting health conditions, and family history with your physician to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and course of treatment.
Douglas Hanna is a free lance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, including sleep apnea cures, sleep apnea treatment and sleep apnea and the power of tea.