When individuals don’t get good rest at night and they always feel tired during the day, they may have a medical condition called sleep apnea. Individuals who have this medical condition can visit an ear, nose and throat specialist to find out if they suffer from this condition. Read the frequently asked questions below to learn important information about Sleep Apnea in Martin County, MN.
What exactly is sleep apnea and what causes this medical condition?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes an individual to stop breathing for a few seconds while they’re sleeping. These episodes will occur numerous times throughout the night and since they cause a person to wake up, it disrupts their sleep.
These episodes occur when a person’s air passage and throat muscles become relaxed during sleep. When they relax and close up, it prevents oxygen from flowing into the lungs and a person is unable to breathe. A person is monitored in a clinical sleep study and if they stop breathing five or more times during the night, they’re diagnosed with sleep apnea.
What are some typical symptoms of sleep apnea?
Many individuals have sleep apnea, but they’re unaware they have this condition until it’s diagnosed by a doctor. Some of the symptoms include loud snoring, choking while asleep, having a headache when waking up and staying tired throughout the day.
There are numerous health risks that are associated with this condition including a heart attack, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and diabetes. Since sleep apnea can lead to additional health conditions, it’s important that individuals receive treatment.
What types of treatments are available for individuals who have sleep apnea?
When individuals visit a Sleep Apnea Doctors in Martin County, MN for treatment, CPAP therapy is usually recommended. This treatment consists of wearing a special mask at night that’s connected to a machine that continually provides air to the individual while sleeping. This prevents the muscles in the throat and air passage from closing.
Individuals in Martin County who think they may have sleep apnea, should contact an ear, nose and throat specialist at Birch Street Dentistry Schedule an appointment and learn additional information about their specialties by visiting our website.
