If you wake up feeling fatigued in the morning, you might have a sleep breathing disorder. It can lead to other health problems, including high blood pressure, headaches, and acid reflux. There is no known cure for this disorder, but there are several treatment options. In many cases, sleep breathing disorder can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, surgery may be required. If the condition is not treatable, it may lead to lifelong health consequences.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep breathing disorder. People who suffer from OSA repeatedly stop breathing during the night. This occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse and partially block the airway to the brain. Because sleep apnea causes the sufferer to snore loudly, the person may not even be aware that he or she is having a problem. But sleeping partners often identify the condition.
Sleep breathing disorders affect both men and women and can impact both quality of sleep and productivity. Many people with SDB are mistakenly misdiagnosed as chronic snorers, and the condition can result in daytime sleepiness and concentration problems. A sleep breathing disorder can also cause a number of medical conditions, including headaches, Gastroesophageal reflux, and asthma. For these reasons, it is important to find a treatment for SDB.
Patients with COPD may develop OSA at some point in their lives. However, this condition is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and it can develop into a life-threatening sleep breathing disorder. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention if it persists. While doctors can prescribe medication, patients may need an overnight sleep study to identify the cause of sleep breathing disorders. The results of this study can help the doctor prescribe the right treatment.
If you suspect that you may have a sleep breathing disorder, it is recommended that you undergo a sleep study as early detection can prevent years of chronic health problems. An early diagnosis may prevent decades of suffering. Symptoms of this disorder may include heavy snoring, choking, and gasping. It can also lead to a decreased ability to concentrate and even anxiety. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help for sleep breathing disorder treatment as soon as possible.
People with a coexisting sleep breathing disorder may experience multiple episodes of apnea. Oftentimes, coexisting conditions may be more difficult to treat. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, as treatment for one may interfere with the other. The use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) can cause a high rate of insomnia, and complications with the mask’s fit and comfort can aggravate the condition.
Obesity increases your risk of apnea. While you’re sleeping, excess fat can obstruct the airway, causing breathing to stop and start. People with large neck circumferences are at higher risk than people with smaller necks. Excess skin covering the chin and neck are also more likely to develop sleep apnea. Additionally, having a family history of sleep breathing disorders may also increase your risk.