Do you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air? If so, you might have sleep apnea. This dangerous sleep disorder can cause health problems if left untreated. There are two types of sleep apnea, but both should be treated by an ENT doctor. In this blog post, we will discuss sleep apnea symptoms and how they can be treated.
Two Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two types of sleep apnea, central and obstructive. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by repetitive movements of the tongue or soft palate that block the upper airway during sleep. This can happen due to obesity, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a deviated septum.
Obstructive sleep apnea can also be caused by alcohol or sedatives, which relax the muscles in the throat and allow the airway to become blocked. Most people with this type of sleep apnea wake up with a runny nose or sore throat from continuously breathing through their mouths. They may also be habitual snorers.
Central sleep apnea is less common but involves a problem with breathing during sleep due to neurological problems such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, trauma from an accident, etc.
- Central sleep apnea is less common, but it can be just as dangerous as obstructive sleep apnea. Your central nervous system does not communicate properly with your breathing muscles telling them when to contract or relax.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It is caused by repetitive movements of the tongue or soft palate that block the upper airway during sleep. This can cause people to wake up gasping for air.
- Complex Sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apneas.
How Common is Sleep Apnea?
In the US, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It affects an estimated 22 million adults, and as many as 80% of them are not aware that they have the condition. Central sleep apnea is less common but still affects an estimated 2 million adults.
What Other Symptoms Might I Have?
If you wake up gasping for air, you may wonder if you have other symptoms of sleep apnea. Other symptoms that are indicative of sleep apnea include:
- shortness of breath
- snoring
- headaches
- memory problems
- dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
- irritability
- loss of interest in sex
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and set up a sleep study. Left untreated, this disorder can cause serious health problems.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause other Health Issues?
People with sleep apnea are at risk for numerous health disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Central sleep apnea can cause low blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. In addition, people with sleep apnea are also at risk for diabetes, obesity, and depression.
CPAP for Sleep Apnea
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your ENT doctor might recommend a CPAP machine. This machine forces air through the nose and into the lungs, which prevents the airway from becoming blocked.
Although CPAP machines often work well to treat sleep apnea, they have been known to cause problems in recent years. A recent recall on numerous of CPAP machines was prompted by particles of the machine getting into the tubing and entering patients’ lungs.
Some people find it difficult to wear a CPAP machine due to the following reasons:
- nose and mouth become irritated
- skin becomes irritated from the mask
- claustrophobia
- uncomfortable to sleep
If you find that you have difficulty using your CPAP machine, be sure to talk to your doctor about alternatives. There are many different types of machines, and you might be able to find one that is more comfortable for you.
In addition to CPAP machines, there are other treatment options for sleep apnea. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, your doctor might recommend a mouth guard or positional therapy.
Mouthguards are devices that fit over the teeth and keep the jaw in a forward position. This keeps the airway from becoming blocked and prevents snoring. Positioning therapy involves sleeping on your side instead of your back to keep the airway open.
If you have severe sleep apnea, you might need surgery to remove obstructions in the airway or to increase the size of your airway. Other treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include surgery to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or to correct a deviated septum.
Your doctor may prescribe a medical device called Inspire that stimulates breathing muscles without a bulky CPAP machine, hose, and mask. Treatment for sleep apnea may also include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or quitting smoking, or medications.
Sleep apnea can be a dangerous disorder if left untreated. If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, see an ENT doctor as soon as possible.
We Can Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, set up an appointment with our ENT doctors at Enticare. Our board-certified sleep specialists use sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnea or other disorders. We work to get you the treatment you need to feel like yourself again. Remember what it feels like to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day!