Sleep apnea is a medical condition with brief, repetitious episodes of breathing cessation during sleep. The effects on the body are cumulative from chronic, inadequate rest that impact memory, create excessive, chronic fatigue with poor reactive ability. The byproducts are increased risks for accidents, inability to focus and less productivity on the job.
Apnea disturbs sleeping patterns in three forms. Most common is Obstructive (OSA), whereby the lax musculature within the neck falls as sleeping occurs, with gravity allowing airway blockage. Central (CSA) is initiated when the central nervous system misfires the impulses that control breathing at the respiratory level. Complex involves varying combinations of the other two forms. Health conditions, such as obesity, respiratory or central nervous system diseases contribute to the propensity for this episodic breathing dysfunction.
The symptoms with this somnific disorder are chronic daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), snoring with obstructive cause, observed cessations in breathing seen in CSA, dry mouth/sore throat or morning headache upon awakening, abrupt, gasping awakenings with shortness of breath, and difficulty maintaining an ongoing sleep state. Behavioral effects can exhibit with lack of motivation, moodiness, and aggressiveness that impact social and work status. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended with any symptoms of episodic, breathing disturbances.
Many health problems share certain similarities that are predisposing for a specific condition. Apnea has a propensity for predominantly effecting males. Lifestyle choices that predispose apnea sufferers are obesity, particularly those with a large neck size (over 17), smokers, heavy drinkers, drug abusers, and the physically inactive. Circumstances beyond the patient's control include genetics, aging, depression, stress, dementia, cardiovascular or thyroid disease and naturally narrow airways.
Apnea carries the risk for consequences that range from potentially serious to life-threatening. The risk for accidents while driving or operating machinery resulting from lack of adequate rest is considerable. Heart conditions creating arrhythmia's or congestive heart failure are not uncommon with episodes of chronic oxygen deprivation present with this disorder. Inadequate levels of oxygen to the brain can result in permanent, debilitating brain injury or death.
Diagnostic measures include observation of symptoms by someone close to you, medical history and exam by a physician, laboratory studies that measure oxygen in the blood, chest-wall movement and nasal air flow. Usually, a brain wave study via electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed, in addition to overnight studies known as a polysomnogram, done in a controlled, laboratory environment for confirmed diagnosis.
Treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition, health problems and daytime functioning. Treatments range from a prescription dental appliance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where the patient wears a mask over the nose and mouth when sleeping, while a small air-compressor forces air into the nasal passages maintaining an open airway. Treatment may include surgery, such as tonsillectomy or enlarging the larynx.
Doctor recommendations for mild sleep apnea Ottawa begin with weight-loss to manage obesity, smoking cessation for tobacco addiction and medication for daytime sleepiness. Surgery for serious cases can be curative. Dental appliances and CPAP therapies are effective only with diligent patient compliance as viable measures of maintaining open airways while sleeping.
Apnea disturbs sleeping patterns in three forms. Most common is Obstructive (OSA), whereby the lax musculature within the neck falls as sleeping occurs, with gravity allowing airway blockage. Central (CSA) is initiated when the central nervous system misfires the impulses that control breathing at the respiratory level. Complex involves varying combinations of the other two forms. Health conditions, such as obesity, respiratory or central nervous system diseases contribute to the propensity for this episodic breathing dysfunction.
The symptoms with this somnific disorder are chronic daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia), snoring with obstructive cause, observed cessations in breathing seen in CSA, dry mouth/sore throat or morning headache upon awakening, abrupt, gasping awakenings with shortness of breath, and difficulty maintaining an ongoing sleep state. Behavioral effects can exhibit with lack of motivation, moodiness, and aggressiveness that impact social and work status. Consultation with a medical professional is recommended with any symptoms of episodic, breathing disturbances.
Many health problems share certain similarities that are predisposing for a specific condition. Apnea has a propensity for predominantly effecting males. Lifestyle choices that predispose apnea sufferers are obesity, particularly those with a large neck size (over 17), smokers, heavy drinkers, drug abusers, and the physically inactive. Circumstances beyond the patient's control include genetics, aging, depression, stress, dementia, cardiovascular or thyroid disease and naturally narrow airways.
Apnea carries the risk for consequences that range from potentially serious to life-threatening. The risk for accidents while driving or operating machinery resulting from lack of adequate rest is considerable. Heart conditions creating arrhythmia's or congestive heart failure are not uncommon with episodes of chronic oxygen deprivation present with this disorder. Inadequate levels of oxygen to the brain can result in permanent, debilitating brain injury or death.
Diagnostic measures include observation of symptoms by someone close to you, medical history and exam by a physician, laboratory studies that measure oxygen in the blood, chest-wall movement and nasal air flow. Usually, a brain wave study via electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed, in addition to overnight studies known as a polysomnogram, done in a controlled, laboratory environment for confirmed diagnosis.
Treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition, health problems and daytime functioning. Treatments range from a prescription dental appliance to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), where the patient wears a mask over the nose and mouth when sleeping, while a small air-compressor forces air into the nasal passages maintaining an open airway. Treatment may include surgery, such as tonsillectomy or enlarging the larynx.
Doctor recommendations for mild sleep apnea Ottawa begin with weight-loss to manage obesity, smoking cessation for tobacco addiction and medication for daytime sleepiness. Surgery for serious cases can be curative. Dental appliances and CPAP therapies are effective only with diligent patient compliance as viable measures of maintaining open airways while sleeping.
About the Author:
Sleep apnea Ottawa is a sleep disorder many battle, but aren't aware of the CPAP supplies Ottawa available to them, or where to find information on symptoms, CPAP Ottawa, and the next steps to take.
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