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.
Gum disease affects more than half of all adults in the United States, according to the International Journal of Health Sciences, and there are different forms of the condition. Gum disease is prevalent and one of the major causes of tooth loss. Therefore, it helps to understand the various stages of gum disease and its…
Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options because you are missing one or more of your teeth. This option is one that offers benefits that other replacement options do not, which is why so many patients are choosing implants to replace their missing teeth. Other replacement options…
A wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary in order to create room in the mouth as well as to help avoid or relieve pain. While the procedure itself is common and generally goes well for most patients, it is important is to know the steps to take to fully recover afterward. Recovery varies for every…
If you have gapped teeth, dental bonding can be an option to restore your smile. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin materials to transform the teeth’s appearance. Dental bonding can correct not only small spaces between teeth but also other flaws like discoloration and minor tooth decay, cracks, or chips. It…