Obstructive sleep apnea may be seen both in children and adults. Its major characteristic is the frequent interruption of sleep by the need to breathe. The affected individuals snore on most nights and tend to be drowsy during the day since they do not get good quality sleep at night. There are several things regarding obstructive sleep apnea Richardson TX residents need to know if they have this condition.
The primary cause of this problem is excessive relaxation of muscles at the back of the throat during sleep. These muscles include those of the soft palate, the uvula and the tonsils. The effect of this relaxation is partial obstruction of the airway. Once in a while for about 10 or 20 seconds there is total obstruction and one has to wake up. Snoring is the effect of air entering through the constricted space.
There are several risk factors of this condition that exist. One of the most important is excessive weight (being obese or overweight). This risk factor has been identified in close to 50% of cases. Fat deposition around the upper airway appears to be the direct cause in such cases. Another common risk factor is the possession of large neck whose circumference is greater than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women. Others include smoking, diabetes, chronic nasal congestion and hypertension.
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.
The first step in dealing with this problem is to institute lifestyle changes. One of them is to lose excess weight if you have been classified as being overweight or obese. Other measures that can be undertaken easily include taking part in regular physical exercise, reducing smoking and alcohol intake. In case of nasal congestion, steroid based nasal decongestants offer some benefits.
Other treatment options are considered in case the lifestyle changes prove ineffective. There are a number of devices that can be used to open up blocked airways and reduce the severity of obstruction. You will need to see a dental specialist to get the device that is most appropriate in your case. Surgery may be used as a last resort.
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.
Seeking treatment early will significantly improve the quality of life of a person with sleep apnea. The good news is that a majority of people notice improvement when they make lifestyle modifications. For those who do not, many other options exist.
The primary cause of this problem is excessive relaxation of muscles at the back of the throat during sleep. These muscles include those of the soft palate, the uvula and the tonsils. The effect of this relaxation is partial obstruction of the airway. Once in a while for about 10 or 20 seconds there is total obstruction and one has to wake up. Snoring is the effect of air entering through the constricted space.
There are several risk factors of this condition that exist. One of the most important is excessive weight (being obese or overweight). This risk factor has been identified in close to 50% of cases. Fat deposition around the upper airway appears to be the direct cause in such cases. Another common risk factor is the possession of large neck whose circumference is greater than 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women. Others include smoking, diabetes, chronic nasal congestion and hypertension.
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.
The first step in dealing with this problem is to institute lifestyle changes. One of them is to lose excess weight if you have been classified as being overweight or obese. Other measures that can be undertaken easily include taking part in regular physical exercise, reducing smoking and alcohol intake. In case of nasal congestion, steroid based nasal decongestants offer some benefits.
Other treatment options are considered in case the lifestyle changes prove ineffective. There are a number of devices that can be used to open up blocked airways and reduce the severity of obstruction. You will need to see a dental specialist to get the device that is most appropriate in your case. Surgery may be used as a last resort.
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.
Seeking treatment early will significantly improve the quality of life of a person with sleep apnea. The good news is that a majority of people notice improvement when they make lifestyle modifications. For those who do not, many other options exist.
About the Author:
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment