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. This type of sleep
apnea is caused by heart problems and requires immediate
attention.
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 "Pilar Procedure", then give Doctor
Jordan or Lee a call.
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