Sleep Apnea Treatment in Tracys Landing, MD
Sleep apnea refers to a sleep disorder within the field of sleep medicine in which breathing stops and starts many times over the course of a night. Sleep apnea can lead to many major health problems, and in some cases, fatality. However, many people live for years with sleep apnea without knowing they have a problem.
Thankfully, sleep apnea is treatable. Request more information about sleep apnea treatment today: call (410) 266-3613 or contact Annapolis Integrative Medicine online.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
There are two major types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, where throat muscles relax and cause breathing disturbance, and central sleep apnea in which the brain function that promotes breathing is inhibited.
Both types of sleep apnea have very similar symptoms. In many cases, the person suffering from sleep apnea does not notice symptoms; instead they appear to a partner or as a part of sleep study.
Sleep apnea symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
- Frequent breathing interruption
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Frequently waking up during sleep
Sleep Apnea Causes
Sleep apnea is caused by either the relaxing of the throat muscles (obstructive sleep apnea) or problems with the brain transmitting the breathing response (central sleep apnea). When either of these problems happens, breathing stops and sleep apnea occurs.
There are several risk factors that make someone more likely to develop sleep apnea. These problems include:
- Obesity
- Narrowed airway
- Advanced age
- Family history
- Excessive alcohol use
- Sedative use
- Smoking
- Congestion
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is treatable. The first step is to determine if sleep apnea is present. This is most often done with a sleep test. Sleep tests are usually performed in a lab setting, but home sleep tests can be used in some cases.
Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment will vary. Types of sleep apnea treatment include:
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking or losing weight
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP ) devices, which keep airway passages open and supply oxygen consistently
- Surgery, including jaw repositioning , implants and tracheostomy
- Supplemental oxygen
The best sleep apnea treatment ultimately depends on the individual needs of the patient. In some cases, sleep apnea may be addressed by treating a related condition.
Request Sleep Apnea Information Today
Sleep apnea can deal lasting damage to health and even be life threatening. Request more information about sleep apnea treatment today: call (410) 266-3613 or contact Annapolis Integrative Medicine online.
Annapolis Integrative Medicine
Address
1819 Bay Ridge AveSuite 180
Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 266-3613
www.annapolisintegrativemedicine.com