Sleep Apnea

[vc_row content_width=”grid”][vc_column][vc_column_text]What is sleep apnea? When you have sleep apnea there is limiting or stopping of air that reaches your lungs resulting in poor oxygen supply to your body and brain. Sleep apnea can be obstructive or central. Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type, due to closure of airways when you try to breathe. You snore or make choking and gasping noises. Common causes for obstructive sleep apnea include:

Overweight or obese
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Male more common than female
Alcohol or other sedatives
Nasal congestion and allergy
Family history of sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea: In this condition the brain does not send signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Common causes for central sleep apnea include:
Opioid pain medications
Congestive heart failure or other heart conditions
Stroke
Degenerative conditions of brain

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? The symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Choking that wakes you up
Pauses in breathing while you sleep (observed by family members)
Excessive daytime fatigue or sleepiness
Waking up with a dry mouth and/or headache
Waking up frequently during the night to urinate

Consequences of sleep apnea Untreated sleep apnea can lead to

Increased blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack
Higher risk of stroke
Worsening of diabetes
Depression
Cognitive issues, including memory problems,
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Excessive sleepiness which can lead to accidents at work and when driving
Pregnancy complications and premature delivery

How is sleep apnea diagnosed Sleep study is the test that confirms diagnosis of sleep apnea. We provide two choices in doing sleep study: Home sleep study In lab sleep study Treatment of Sleep Apnea Lifestyle changes

Weight loss
Avoid alcohol and narcotic pain medication
Non supine sleeping or sleep propped up

Sleep apnea Devices Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device Oral appliances Provent nasal valve device Surgery for Sleep Apnea Common surgical procedures include:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This surgery involves the removal of some tissue in the back of the throat so that it can no longer block the airway. If tonsils are enlarged, they are removed.
Maxilo Mandibular advancement (MMA): During this surgery, the jaw is broken and re positioned further forward to help keep the airway open
Inspire: A small device is placed just under your skin during a short outpatient procedure. It delivers gentle stimulation to key airway muscles during sleep, allowing your airway to remain open. Simply turn it on with the Inspire Sleep Remote before bed and off when you wake up.

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