In a definition taken from www.sleepapnea.org, the Greek word “apnea” literally means “without breath.” The three types of apnea are obstructive, central, and mixed. Of the three, obstructive is the most common. Despite the difference in the root cause of each type, in all three people with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.
Signs to look for are swollen tonsils or adenoids, allergies, inflamed sinus membranes, an anatomically small airway, or a combination. An oral airway obstruction occurs because of malocclusion, obesity (excess fat on the neck and chest), a hormonal imbalance/deficiency, pregnancy, an anatomically small airway, or combination. The sounds of snoring that a bed partner may hear are the result of pharyngeal tissues vibrating against one another. To sufficiently oxygenate the body, the air must force its way through the airway, partially or fully obstructed due to loss of patency. Gasping, choking or spasms and subsequent awakening are the body’s reaction to loss of oxygen and are indicative of a complete obstruction of the airway. Any obstruction of the airway is extremely detrimental to the intricate functioning of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, gastrointestinal, and nervous system.
Questions to ask include: Do you snore? Do you feel rested in the morning? Do you suffer from morning headaches? Do you have acid reflux? Do you have high blood pressure?
For more information, feel free to contact Dental Design Spa at 858.490.4281.
