Obstructive sleep apnea

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Statistics presently show alarming numbers of people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea; only in the United States there are around twelve million patients facing this health problem, showing breathing difficulties every night. Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by the breathing cessation for a specific period of time due to the blockage of the airways either because of muscular failure, deformities or other throat deficiencies.

Swollen adenoids and tonsils are often a cause for obstructive sleep apnea, but polyps and jaw defects, whether congenital or accidental, are other issues that explain the appearance of the affection. The consequences of obstructive sleep apnea for the overall health status are of major importance. To understand how seriously obstructive sleep apnea can affect one's entire body system, we need to stress the fact that in the most serious of cases, sleep apnea prevents oxygen from getting in the blood flow by the breathing cessation for a whole minute.

And these gaps in breathing occur repeatedly up to fifty times per hour. Hence, it is obvious why obstructive sleep apnea can lead to stroke, heart failure, increased blood pressure and limb swelling. Since most of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are usually recognized by a bed mate, one should definitely require some form of monitoring system to get a correct professional diagnosis.

The signs of obstructive sleep apnea include choking and gasping, snoring, headaches both at night and at daytime, tiredness and sleepiness in the most inappropriate of moments. Sometimes, swelling of the legs has been reported in the case of overweight people, not to mention that heartburn, frequent night urination and inability to concentrate can also accompany this sleep disorder. Heavy sweating and mouth dryness may also appear in association with breathing cessation. According to the severity of the condition, there are several kinds of treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.

In case the obstructive sleep apnea disorder is caused by tonsils or adenoids, surgical procedures are the most reliable for such cases. Nevertheless, several interventions may be required, and there are adverse reactions following surgery such as pain, pulmonary edema and even bleeding. The most popular treatment of obstructive sleep apnea caused by muscular deficiencies of the respiratory tract consists in the use of special continuous positive pressure masks that send a regularized air flow in the lungs.

Masks are used on the long term and the variety of models enables one to find a comfortable item to sleep with. Sleep apnea pillows and dental appliances are two other ways of dealing with obstructive sleep apnea; yet, the final recommendation should come form the health care provider who is the best person to suggest one treatment course or another.
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