Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes sleeping to stop for a few seconds repeatedly during sleep. The disorder causes disturbances in air circulation and oxygen transfer in the blood.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Here is a brief overview of each type:
OSA occurs if there is a blockage in the airway, typically because of the soft tissues in the throat, like the tongue, collapsing while sleeping.
Certain factors increase the chance of getting affected by obstructive sleep apnea, such as larger neck size. This usually happens when a person is obese or overweight and has excess fat deposits near the upper airway, making the airway narrower, thereby making it difficult for air to pass through the throat and to the lungs, resulting in breathing interruptions.
OSA might develop in children as well. It can be caused by issues like a tumor or growth in the airway and congenital disabilities like Down syndrome.
This type of sleep apnea occurs when a person’s brain fails to coordinate with their muscles. This leads to disruptions in the person’s breathing as organs that regulate breathing — like the lungs — fail to get the signals they need to function correctly.
The root causes of CSA are not always understood. However, some CSA cases are linked with other illnesses such as heart conditions, kidney problems, and stroke. High-altitude CSA can also occur if you are above 15,000 feet.
Drugs and medications like fentanyl and hydrocodone are also known for causing CSA. Such cases can be treated by making appropriate modifications to the patient’s issues.
Conditions such as head injury, brain tumors, premature birth, smoking during pregnancy, and issues with the skull base can cause CSA in children.
Sleep apnea affects a large number of people. Some of the risk factors for this disorder include:
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to issues such as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and headaches. It can also cause a worsening of ADHD symptoms, as well as heart failure, heart attacks, and irregular heartbeats.
Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that can negatively impact your mental and general health. Sleep apnea leaves you feeling fatigued during the day, restless at night, and irritable. It can impact your personal and professional life. Fortunately, a dentist can help you reduce its effects with appliances like mouthguards that help keep your airway open while you sleep. It is an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Contact our Miami clinic to set up an appointment with a dentist to learn more about treatment options for sleep apnea.
Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
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