Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Its Symptoms, Risk Factors, And Treatment

By Author: Dr. Richard Rolle, JR
Total Articles: 4
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Obstructive Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which the person goes through disrupted sleep and the body shows low levels of oxygen. During its occurrence, the tongue gets sucked back blocking the upper airway. This stops the airflow. In this way, when the brain is unable to receive the requisite oxygen, the person wakes up from sleep with a loud gasp jumpstarting the flow of air and clearing the passage.

There are many facial and Oral surgery centers offering treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in Charlotte NC along with other places like Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Statesville, Davidson, Kenansville, Concord. The professionals here first seek suitable consultation with the patient based on the symptoms after which treatment they start the treatment. This ensures the comfort of the patient for the chosen course of treatment.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:

• Snoring (loud)
• Gasping for air when asleep
• Having a dry mouth after waking
• Headache after waking
• Insomnia (having difficulty sleeping)
• Hypersomnia ...
... (excessive sleepiness during the day)
• Irritability

There are many highly experienced maxillofacial surgeons in Charlotte NC and other places like Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Statesville, Davidson, Kenansville, Concord, who assess your medical history, your maxillofacial area, and carry out analyses to find out the level of obstruction there is for suitable treatment.

Risk factors
Obstructive Sleep apnea can affect anyone, even children. But some factors increase the risk. These include:
• Excessive weight. Obesity increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea a lot. Fat deposits around the upper airway lead to obstruction in breathing.
• Neck Thickness. People with thicker necks have higher chances of narrower airways.
• An inherited narrow airway. One may have an inherited narrower throat. Also, tonsils can block the airway, more so in children.
• Male. Men have higher chances of having obstructive sleep apnea than women. However, obese women can have this too. The risk further increases after menopause.
• Being Aged. Chances of obstructive sleep apnea increase with age. Occurs more in old adults.
• Use of alcohol. Alcohol relaxes your throat muscles which can add to the sleep apnea.
• Smoking. Smoking can increase inflammation in the upper airway.
• Nasal issues. If you have any anatomical problems or allergies that affect your breathing— there are high chances of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
• Medical conditions. Conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, and Parkinson's disease may increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Treatment
Renowned centers for sleep apnea treatment in Charlotte, NC, and in other places like Kenansville and Concord, have multiple options for treating obstructive sleep apnea.

• In the beginning stage, pressurized oxygen is delivered using nasal mask of a nasal CPAP machine to limit the obstruction of oxygen.
• (UPPP) Uvulo Palato Pharyngo Plasty- Carried out behind our throat and palate, it is the most common surgical procedure directed towards this purpose.
• Some treatments involve probing using radio-frequency to tighten the palate. To help the patient deal with the discomfort, he or she is put under sedation (IV, light).
• Laser-Assist Uvulo Palato Plasty (LAUPP)- A procedure, similar to UPPP, is done with laser assistance.

Knowing about obstructive sleep apnea is the first step towards avoiding it. Or if you have it, it is suggested to contact a center for treatment of Sleep Apnea in Charlotte NC. The experts will not only provide effective suitable treatment but also ensure that you have a better life ahead.