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://sceniccitydentistry.com or call Scenic City Dentistry at (423) 888-0201 for an appointment in our Chattanooga office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sleep Apnea in Chattanooga, TN.
Dental bonding is an efficient way to restore the appearance and function of teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can use this to repair any damage, discoloration, or decay. Cracked, chipped, broken, or stained teeth can look new. This type of treatment can also close gaps between teeth. If you want to know how dental bonding works…
For dental emergencies, people can go to an emergency dentist or an emergency room. However, several things should be considered before deciding where to seek medical help. Just like any other medical emergency, dental emergencies also require different levels of care. This depends on their severity. The ideal place to go for treatment when you…
Every year, millions of people seek teeth whitening at the dentist's. This common cosmetic dentistry procedure can improve a patient's smile with a simple treatment. People from models and movie stars to teachers, salespeople and stay-at-home parents get their teeth whitened. There are many benefits to enjoy from this procedure.Digital photography and social media can make…
Denture adjustment is a necessary procedure that must be performed if your dentures no longer fit your mouth. Whether you have partial or complete dentures, these prompt your gums and soft tissues to adjust. Once the dentures have settled, they will also be likely to change over time. You may experience difficulty chewing or feel…