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Jen Caudle

Dr. Jen Caudle returns to discuss a serious, but underreported medical issue – sleep apnea. It’s believed that apnea is a dangerous condition that many people don’t know that they have. Here’s more on the condition and how to treat it:

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes.The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea. Many don’t even realize this is happening during sleep.

The periods of stopped breathing  happen due to a narrowing of the upper airway or collapse of the airway, often because the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

This causes sleep quality to be poor. People with untreated sleep apnea don’t usually have great sleep. This can cause a person to be very tired during the day, to need naps, feeling unrefreshed once waking up, etc.

 How common is it?

More than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea.

It is very common – but it’s not detected with an X-ray or blood test.

 What are the symptoms?

Snoring may be an indication of sleep apnea. (but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea).

Falling asleep at work, while driving or at other times might be signs of sleep apnea.

Morning headaches.

Gasping for air during sleep, choking, or when you stop breathing during sleep (which partners sometimes recognize).

 How is it diagnosed

The best way is through a sleep study in a lab

Why is it important to treat sleep apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and heart failure. It also can increase the risk of work-related or driving accidents due to sleepiness.

Who is at risk for sleep apnea?

Those with a small upper airway (or large tongue, tonsils or uvula), overweight, have a small jaw or a large overbite, a large neck size (17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), smokers and alcohol users, being age 40 or older. Also, OSA may run in some families, suggesting a possible genetic basis. (National Sleep Foundation)

How is sleep apnea treated?

-weight loss can be helpful

– CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device- this is the best

– other oral devices, surgery (not 1st line)

Dr. Jen answers your ‘Text Tom’ questions on the next page.

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