Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by intermittent interruptions in breathing. The affected individual has to wake up every so often to breathe. Persons with this problem tend to snore and are excessively tired and drowsy during the day due to lack of good quality of sleep. There are a number of facts on obstructive sleep apnea Richardson TX residents need to understand if they are struggling with this problem.
The underlying problem in this condition is excessive relaxation of throat muscles. These muscles comprise those of the soft palate, the tonsils and the uvula. The relaxed muscles narrow the space that is used by inhaled air. Total obstruction occurs intermittently for a period of ten to twenty seconds causing arousal from sleep. Snoring is the resulting of vibrating loose muscles as air is forced through.
There a number of risk factors that predispose to this condition exist. Excessive weight is one of the most significant and has been identified in about 50% of those affected. Fat deposits around the throat narrow the space of the upper airway. A large neck (a circumference more than seventeen inches in men and 16 inches in women) is another risk factor as this too narrows the upper airway. Others include hypertension, chronic nasal congestion, diabetes and being a smoker.
If not treated, this condition may lead to a number of complications. Cardiovascular problems result from reduced oxygenation of blood that in turn causes a strain on the heart. The risk of hypertension, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) are increased. Another major complication is reduced productivity due to daytime fatigue. Children with the condition may have poorer academic performance compared to their peers.
Instituting lifestyle changes is one of the measures that are undertaken to deal with the problem. For mild cases, the beneficial changes include losing excess weight, taking part in physical exercise regularly and reducing on smoking and alcohol intake. For persons suffering from nasal congestion, the use of decongestants are usually helpful. Whenever possible, avoid sleeping on your back.
If lifestyle changes fail to yield results, there are other treatment options that may be considered. Oral devices help to reduce the level of obstruction by maintaining an open upper airway. To get the device that is most suitable for your case, you will need to consult a dental specialist. In case, these too are ineffective, surgery is considered.
The type of surgery to be performed is determined by the underlying problem. Removal of loose, obstructive tissues helps increase the size of the upper airway. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP) is an operation that involves the removal of part of the palate, the uvula and the tonsils. It is a major surgery that is performed under general anesthesia. Jaw surgery may be performed to increase the space behind the tongue. This is known as maxilla-mandibular advancement.
If you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, make a point of seeing the doctor early. This will help you improve your quality of life as well as that of your loved ones. The fortunate thing about this condition is that lifestyle modifications usually have a great impact.
The underlying problem in this condition is excessive relaxation of throat muscles. These muscles comprise those of the soft palate, the tonsils and the uvula. The relaxed muscles narrow the space that is used by inhaled air. Total obstruction occurs intermittently for a period of ten to twenty seconds causing arousal from sleep. Snoring is the resulting of vibrating loose muscles as air is forced through.
There a number of risk factors that predispose to this condition exist. Excessive weight is one of the most significant and has been identified in about 50% of those affected. Fat deposits around the throat narrow the space of the upper airway. A large neck (a circumference more than seventeen inches in men and 16 inches in women) is another risk factor as this too narrows the upper airway. Others include hypertension, chronic nasal congestion, diabetes and being a smoker.
If not treated, this condition may lead to a number of complications. Cardiovascular problems result from reduced oxygenation of blood that in turn causes a strain on the heart. The risk of hypertension, heart failure and abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) are increased. Another major complication is reduced productivity due to daytime fatigue. Children with the condition may have poorer academic performance compared to their peers.
Instituting lifestyle changes is one of the measures that are undertaken to deal with the problem. For mild cases, the beneficial changes include losing excess weight, taking part in physical exercise regularly and reducing on smoking and alcohol intake. For persons suffering from nasal congestion, the use of decongestants are usually helpful. Whenever possible, avoid sleeping on your back.
If lifestyle changes fail to yield results, there are other treatment options that may be considered. Oral devices help to reduce the level of obstruction by maintaining an open upper airway. To get the device that is most suitable for your case, you will need to consult a dental specialist. In case, these too are ineffective, surgery is considered.
The type of surgery to be performed is determined by the underlying problem. Removal of loose, obstructive tissues helps increase the size of the upper airway. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPP) is an operation that involves the removal of part of the palate, the uvula and the tonsils. It is a major surgery that is performed under general anesthesia. Jaw surgery may be performed to increase the space behind the tongue. This is known as maxilla-mandibular advancement.
If you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, make a point of seeing the doctor early. This will help you improve your quality of life as well as that of your loved ones. The fortunate thing about this condition is that lifestyle modifications usually have a great impact.
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To seek treatment for obstructive sleep apnea Richardson TX dental professionals urge you to refer to the recommended clinic. Make an appointment online using this website http://dentalandbeyond.com.
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