Friday, January 13, 2012

Apnea: It Is More Than Just Snoring.

By Carla Pearce


Apnea is a word used to describe a disorder that makes breathing difficult when a person is sleeping. Breathing stops every now and then meaning that the body and more so the brain do not get enough oxygen.

Since breathing is not constant, the supply of oxygen to the brain and the body in general is interrupted. These patients snore a lot which could affect their relationship with those sleeping with them.

Two types of apneas have been recognized and are described as central and obstructive. The latter is due to the airway being blocked by soft tissues from the throat; the former is due to the brain failing to properly recognize breathing signals at night.

What are the risk factors associated with this condition? Males are more likely to get it since their necks are more muscular; obesity as it increases mass around the neck; being above 40 years and a family history of the condition.

Males form majority of the patients with this disease due to their thick necks. Other risk factors include a sudden increase in weight; the body demands more oxygen thus snoring, also the neck is overwhelmed by the extra weight.

Furthermore, those over 40 and with a family history of this disease are at a higher risk.

Depending on how severe the condition is, various treatment options can be recommended. Positional therapy is the where the person is given full-length pillows to enhance sleeping on the side.

Some severe cases are treat by performing surgeries or providing medication in form of nasal decongestants. Bipap and Cpap devices are preferred in some cases; they cover the face of the patient at night to help them breath properly.

Its remedies depend on the cause and how severe it is. Simple, less complicated cases are treated by giving the patient a full body pillow to train them to be sleeping sideways rather than on their back.

Consequently, regular exercising is crucial in its prevention. People who snore often could be having apnea thus should seek medical attention.




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