What happens when Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?
People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) have interrupted sleep resulting in low oxygen levels and fragmented sleep. Both the constant awakenings and oxygen deprivation can cause severe health problems and lower quality of life due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea’s links with:
- Strokes
- High blood pressure
- Myocardial Ischemia
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Systemic Hypertension
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Cardiac Arythmias
- Nocturia (a need to use bathroom frequently at night)
- Morning headache
- Decreased sex drive
- Chronic sleepiness (Excessive Daytime Sleepiness-EDS)
- Increased Motor Vehicle Accidents (People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have three times a higher automobile accident or work-related accident than those in the general public)
- Depression
- Poor job performance
- Increased work-related accidents
- Family discord (Loud snoring also disrupts the bed partner’s sleep causing frustration and anger in their relationship)
- Decreased quality of life
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors can not detect the condition during routine office visits. Furthermore, no blood test can help diagnose the condition. The only way to diagnosis Sleep Apnea is with a sleep study.
Most people who have sleep apnea don’t know they have it because it only occurs during sleep. A family member or bed partner might be the first to notice signs of sleep apnea.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. This causes shallow breathing or breathing pauses.
When you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone.
Don’t become a victim to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. There is help. Find an sleep apnea doctor to help determine if you have sleep apnea. See how advanced dentists can screen and treat sleep apnea.
Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd #1, Pasadena Texas 77504. Get the best in sleep apnea care for you and your family.
