I’ve been enduring my husband’s snoring for ages. And, it was a good thing he finally decided to visit a sleep doctor. The doctor advised him to purchase a CPAP machine. Unfortunately, he is having a hard time getting used to having a nasal mask on his face when he’s sleeping. Now, he is thinking of going for surgical intervention for sleep apnea. Is it safe? What are the possible surgical procedures that we should consider? Are there other solutions or treatments that we can consider? (more…)
Archive for the ‘Sleep Apnea’ Category
Should my husband go for surgical intervention for sleep apnea?
Sunday, September 2nd, 2007What are the cures for sleep apnea?
Sunday, August 26th, 2007My partner is very concerned because of my snoring. He suspects that I may have sleep apnea. Is there a difference between snoring and sleep apnea? What are the other symptoms of sleep apnea? And, what are the cures for sleep apnea? (more…)
What is the best cure for sleep apnea?
Sunday, August 19th, 2007My friend has been complaining about feeling drowsy in the morning because she has not been sleeping well. She often wakes up in the middle of the night gasping for air. She suspects that she has sleep apnea. What causes this? What is the best cure for sleep apnea? (more…)
Is there such a thing as apnea surgery?
Sunday, August 12th, 2007I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The doctor told me that I should either get a CPAP machine or go through apnea surgery. Is there such a thing as apnea surgery? How does it work? Which is better? Undergoing apnea surgery or buying a CPAP machine? (more…)
Is it infant apnea or reflux?
Sunday, August 5th, 2007My sister has a newborn baby who has been having some problems eating. He vomits a lot after feeding. There was a time when he even turned blue. He was diagnosed with infant apnea. Another doctor said it could be reflux. Is there a difference between the two? How do you take care of a baby that has infant apnea and reflux? (more…)
What are sleep apnea remedies that I can consider?
Sunday, July 15th, 2007My wife has been complaining about the way I snore at night. Lately, because my snores have grown louder, she is afraid that I may have sleep apnea. Is there a difference between snoring and sleep apnea? What are the sleep apnea remedies that I can consider? (more…)
Are there surgeries for sleep apnea?
Sunday, July 15th, 2007I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few months ago. I was advised to use a CPAP machine. Unfortunately, although it is quite effective, I just can’t get used to wearing one while I’m asleep. What are the causes of sleep apnea? Are there surgeries for sleep apnea? How do they work? (more…)
Can you give me some possible sleep apnea solutions?
Sunday, July 15th, 2007My partner has complained about the way I would suddenly wake up in the middle of the night. Sometimes, this would happen several times in one night. I don’t usually remember waking up at night but I do feel sluggish and drowsy in the morning. My partner has also made a remark about my mood swings. I think I have sleep apnea. What are the other symptoms of sleep apnea? How do they diagnose this? Can you give me some possible sleep apnea solutions? (more…)
Have you heard of Respironics’ Profile Lite CPAP mask?
Friday, March 23rd, 2007I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP for almost a year now. During the first few weeks I was really struggling trying to get used to sleeping with my CPAP mask on until I decided to just quit it. But the apnea and the snoring is really taking its toll on me. I heard a Profile Lite CPAP mask by the Respironics company will make it easier for me to stick to my therapy, but will it really? How? (more…)
What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?
Saturday, January 27th, 2007Sleep apnea is a condition often characterized by marked reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep, usually lasting from ten to twenty seconds or more causing a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. This sudden drop in oxygen levels causes the person to gasp for air, one of the symptoms of sleep apnea, thus disrupting a peaceful sleep.
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive apnea and central apnea. In obstructive apnea, the problem is physical blockage of the airway. This could be due to obesity, swelling along the airway, or anatomical deformities. In central apnea, the cessation of breathing is caused by the failure of the brain to send a signal to the respiratory muscles to initialize breathing. This is usually brought about by a more serious medical problem. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is often recommended for sleep apnea symptoms treatment.
This condition also occurs among children but not as common as in adults. This is often observed in infants, especially premature ones, with congenital heart diseases. In older children, a swollen uvula is a common cause for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition that should not be taken lightly. It is important that we recognize its signs and symptoms so as to determine the severity of the condition, be given the proper treatment, and prevent further complications. You never know, somebody close to you may be suffering from this condition.
The symptoms of sleep apnea that are commonly observed among adults are snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness and tiredness. But not all people who snore have sleep apnea. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
· Cessation of breathing lasting from ten to twenty seconds that usually occurs when the patient is asleep
· Waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air or choking, or needing to urinate (nocturia)
· An unrested feeling even after a long sleep
· Restlessness during sleeping
· Lack of concentration and memory loss
· Increased irritability and personality changes
· Severe headaches or migraines
· Heartburn
Sleep apnea is most often detected or observed by people who are close to the patient, but the definitive test done to confirm the diagnosis is called a polysomnography or sleep study, which is either done in the hospital or in a sleep laboratory. During the test, oxygen saturation and sleep apnea episodes are observed and recorded by the sleep technician using sleep apnea medical devices. A CPAP machine is also used during the test to determine the patient’s airway pressure levels.
Natural treatments for sleep apnea include lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, smoking cessation, eliminating alcohol from the diet, and avoidance of medications such as sedatives and muscle relaxants because these drugs affect the accessory muscles of breathing. Special pillows to prevent patients from sleeping on their backs and oral devices to keep the airway open during sleep may also be used to prevent apnea. However, if these measures are ineffective, a CPAP is usually recommended by doctors as the treatment of choice.