What is Sleep Apnea
Dr. Raj Khurana is a Dentist practicing in South Holland, IL for 27 years. Dr. Khurana specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and... more
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and other health issues. In this blog, we will explore the causes and symptoms of sleep apnea.
Causes of Sleep Apnea:
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by a physical blockage of the airway during sleep, while CSA is caused by a lack of communication between the brain and the muscles that control breathing. Some common causes of sleep apnea include:
Obesity: Excess weight can cause fat to accumulate around the neck and airway, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep.
Anatomical Abnormalities: Certain physical traits, such as a deviated septum or a narrow throat, can increase the risk of sleep apnea.
Alcohol and Sedative Use: These substances can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep.
Smoking: Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, leading to sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Restless sleep
- High blood pressure
- Risk of heart disease and stroke
Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that should not be ignored. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a Trained Dentist or your Medical Doctor to learn more about this and how to resolve this issue.
Next time will discuss how to treat your Sleep Apnea.
Thank you,
Dr. Raj
