Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Although one of the symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring, it does not mean everyone who snores has it. Truth be told, most of us snore at some point in our lives. Although annoying it is usually nothing to worry about. Little things like colds and coughs, the occasional bout of alcohol, and even pregnancy can lead to the odd night of snoring. This type of snoring is common and is not a cause for concern. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is very much a cause for concern.

Unlike normal snoring, sleep apnea actually disrupts your normal breathing pattern while you’re asleep. The cause of this disruption can vary. An obstructed airway or respiratory disease can lead to sleep apnea as well as some more serious conditions like a central nervous system disorder, brain tumor, stroke, or viral infection of the brain. Symptoms include chronic, nightly snoring that is disruptive to you and your sleep partner, waking up gasping for air and/or choking, daytime headaches, listlessness, and sore throats. It is a dangerous and progressive disorder that will only continue to get worse as you grow older if left untreated.

There are three types of sleep apnea. The most common of these is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is caused by an obstruction as the air passes through the nose and mouth. Breathing in the abdomen and throat remain normal. The second type is Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). This is less common and is caused by a brain signal disruption. The brain signal that triggers breathing is delayed which causes the breathing process to stop not only in the mouth and nose, but in the throat and abdomen as well. The third type of sleep apnea is Mixed Sleep Apnea. This is when the person suffers from both of the above-mentioned types of sleep apnea.

Obviously, sleep apnea is not to be taken lightly. If you feel you are suffering from any form of the condition, see your doctor at once. If the causes are more obstructive in nature, there are several treatment options available to you. Although some natural treatments might help in some cases, it is always best to get a doctors opinion before you try any do-it-yourself remedies. There are surgical solutions, mechanical and dental devices that can be used to treat sleep apnea. Although the majority of surgical solutions are considered by many to be invasive and painful, there is a new treatment available which is neither.

If you have sleep apnea then you need to know about the "Pillar Procedure". It's an FDA approved option which can be done right in your doctor's office. Endorsed by Dr’s Jennifer Jordan and Dwight Lee, Dallas, TX sleep specialists who perform this procedure, they say that all it takes is having them insert three small woven inserts into the soft palate of the mouth. These inserts reduce the vibrations which cause the snoring in many patients. This procedure not only works but can be done in one office visit and is virtually painless.

Since chronic snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition like sleep apnea, check with your doctor immediately if you suspect you have the problem. Your doctor will be able to determine the cause and treatment option that is right for you. If your doctor hasn't heard about the "Pillar Procedure", then give Doctor Jordan or Lee a call.