Humans
suffer from many perilous conditions that affect various components of their
system. In that sense, sleep is essential for every living being, as it helps
them to rejuvenate brain functions. So when this gets obstructed, complications
begin to arise. Sleep apnea is a severe condition that affects an individual’s
ability to get a peaceful rest. In such cases, they tend to experience fatigue,
heart problems, and several other issues. This is why receiving treatment for
this ailment is a necessity to avoid such occurrences and to ensure ideal
functioning.
Risk
Factors
Although
there is no definite cause for sleep apnea, studies reveal some factors contribute to this ailment, such as
obesity. The fat caused as a result of excessive weight deposits around the
upper airway thus obstructs breathing. This leads to slumber gets affected, as
the breathing pattern gets unbalanced causing a sudden wake.
Smoking
is also labeled as a possible cause in many cases. It can increase the amount
of fluid retention and inflammation sustained in the respiratory tract. This
narrows a passage available for respiration; hence leads to obstructions. Along
with smoking, drugs and sedatives can also cause this condition, as it relaxes
the muscle surrounding the throat.
Other
factors contributing to this issue include nasal congestion caused as a result
of anatomical defects or infections. Reduced neck circumference or narrowed
passage caused by genetic reasons. Older patients also have higher risks of
acquiring obstructive slumber due to their age.
Available
Treatments
The
first and fundamental therapy for obstruction is making lifestyle changes. It
includes losing weight, reducing smoking, or getting medications for allergies.
If any of these remedies prove ineffective, then practitioners will suggest
other treatments.
Continuous
positive airway pressure or better known as CPAP is a device that delivers air
pressure through a mask. The machine exerts pressure that is greater than the
surrounding atmosphere, so it keeps the airway passage open. But some people
might find it difficult to adjust to the pressure or strap tension caused by
this machine.
Another
option is to wear oral appliances designed to maintain a forward jaw position
to keep the throat open. Although CPAP devices are more effective in this case,
oral appliances offer that comfort lacking in these machines. Surgeries serve
as another ideal alternative, such as tissue removal, jaw repositioning,
implants, and nerve stimulation also helps to enlarge respiratory tracts.
Impact
Of Treatment
The
most obvious benefit of these treatments is a peaceful sleep. Insufficient
slumber causes many adverse repercussions. But ensuring adequate rest leads to
improvement in other aspects of life that promises physical and psychological
happiness. This subsequently reflects in peoples’ health, as reduced
obstructions improve blood circulation, daytime functions, and involvement in
social activities. Studies also suggest that treating sleep apnea lowers the
risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and stroke.
Author
Bio
Kurt
Freidman is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and he is also a
member of the international society of plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive
surgeries. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami and
currently continues to serve high-quality service all for his patients.
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