What Is Sleep Apnea? | Roswell Dental Office

Describe sleep apnea

It is considered a severe medical condition in which the patient stops breathing for a few seconds while asleep. Such pause in breathing can last for ten seconds or more.

How many types of sleep apnea are there?

The Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed Sleep Apnea are the three types of the disorder.

OSA involves the blockage of the airways for ten seconds or more while the person is asleep.
CSA has to do more with the brain's medical condition. It happens when the brain fails to send signals to control the breathing-related muscles.
Patients suffering from Mixed Sleep Apnea show symptoms of both, OSA and CSA.

Sleep apnea is caused by

Age factors
Heart disorders
Reaction to medications
Consumption of alcoholic products
A narrowed airway
Excess weight/obesity.

In kids, it can be caused due to dental conditions, a tumor in the airway, enlarged tonsils, and congenital disabilities like Down syndrome.

Sleep apnea stomach problems

Research suggests that some patients suffering from OSA often suffer from stomach cramping, bloating, and chronic diarrhea. A link has also been found between physiologic stress and OSA.

Can babies get sleep apnea?

Infants may suffer from obstructive, central, or mixed sleep apnea. However, these breathing problems can prove to be much more complicated for infants compared to adults. If left untreated, the insufficient oxygen supply can cause medical conditions like bradycardia and hypoxemia.

Sleep apnea treatment medication

The oral appliance therapy (OAT) and the use of airway pressure machines along with breathing masks are the most recommended primary treatment options. Prescribing medications is looked at as the second alternative. A physician may recommend wakefulness-promoting drugs containing modafinil, armodafinil.

The list of other prescribed medicines to offer aid in sleep includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates, melatonin receptor agonists, and non-benzodiazapine hypnotics class drugs.

Difference between sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea

The upper respiratory tract (upper airways) gets blocked for a few seconds in OSA. On the other hand, in CSA, the brain stops sending signals to breathing muscles resulting in a disruption in sleep.

Best sleeping position for sleep apnoea

Avoid lying on the back and try sleeping on your side to control sleep apnea.

FAQs

How many people suffer from sleep apnea?

Data released by the American Sleep Apnea Association suggests as many as 25 million Americans are affected due to sleep apnea.
What can sleep apnea lead to?

The medical condition can lead to headaches, depression, sleepiness, snoring, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, and can worsen ADHD.
Does sleep apnea cause death?

Yes, it can cause death as it also increases the chances of sudden cardiac arrest and other life-threatening health conditions.
Can exercise help sleep apnea?

The medical condition can trigger other health issues like liver problems, decreased sexual desire, weakened immune system, abnormal heart rhythm, and neurological disorders.
Do oral appliances work for sleep apnea?

Besides CPAP machines (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), there are specially designed pillows, and mouth appliances, including tongue-retaining devices and mandibular repositioning devices, for moderate or mild OSA. Instead of opting for over-the-counter options, it is advisable to let your dentist recommend or offer you a custom fitted device that suits your needs.
What happens if sleep apnea is not treated?

If ignored, the potentially dangerous OSA, CSA further triggers life-threatening medical conditions resulting in death.
What essential oil is good for sleep apnea?

Besides peppermint, lemon, lavender, geranium, passionflower essential, marjoram essential oil, the olive essential, and Valerian essential oil can prove to be suitable for the medical condition.
How to control sleep apnea naturally?
The following lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in controlling sleep apnea.
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Performing regular exercises along with Yoga
- Using a humidifier
- Changing sleeping position and ensuring you do not sleep on your back can help in controlling the disorder naturally.
- The patient must also stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake.

If you wish to discuss sleep apnea treatment options in Roswell (GA), you should consider fixing an appointment at TruCare Dentistry. Dr. Toral has several years of experience in helping patients suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Treatment