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Snoring and sleep apnea are common sleep disorders that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. While snoring may be seen as a harmless annoyance, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as sleep Apnea. Visit a top hospital for sleep apnea and snoring treatment in Malleshwaram in case you are experiencing the symptoms discussed here.
In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of excessive snoring associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea – which will help you with information in order to get a good night's sleep and maintain overall health.
Snoring: What is it and What Causes it?
Snoring is a sound produced during sleep when the airway becomes partially obstructed or narrowed, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. Snoring can be caused by a variety of factors, such as obesity, sleep position, nasal congestion, and alcohol consumption. Snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a more severe sleep disorder.
Sleep Apnea: What is it and What Causes it?
Sleep Apnea is a common yet serious sleep-related breathing disorder where a person's breathing is repeatedly interrupted due to obstructed airway during sleep. This may happen as a result of excess tissue in the back of the throat, enlarged tonsils, or a long uvula. People with sleep apnea wake up abruptly and have reduced oxygen levels and a range of health problems, including excessive daytime sleepiness, increased risk of heart disease, and difficulty concentrating.
There are 3 main types of sleep apnea – Central Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Complex Sleep Apnea among which Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is most commonly diagnosed among patients.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea is extremely loud snoring. However, it may be associated with other signs and symptoms as well, including:
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Excessive daytime sleepiness/unrefreshing sleep
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Choking or gasping during sleep
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Morning headaches
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Difficulty concentrating
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Sore throat in the morning
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Frequent urge to urinate again and again during the night
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention without delay. You can book an appointment with a Consultant – Pulmonology or Somnology (Sleep Specialist) at Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram.
What are the Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea?
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The risk factors for developing sleep apnea include obesity or overweight, older age, family history, nasal congestion, thicker neck, and poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and use of alcohol, sedatives, etc.
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Almost 85% of patients with sleep apnea are obese or overweight which makes it a prime contributing factor to the development of this condition.
Consult a top pulmonologist in Malleshwaram for diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea
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The treatment of snoring and sleep apnea depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
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In most cases, simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol close to bedtime, or sleeping on your side, can help reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
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For severe cases of sleep apnea, the conventional treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy which requires patients to wear a mask while sleeping. It is attached to an air blower that forces air through the nose and mouth.
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Other treatment methods may involve surgical approaches. Surgery, however, is recommended only if other methods have failed to reduce snoring and other symptoms. The surgical options include tissue removal, tissue shrinkage, tonsil removal, weight loss or bariatric surgery, etc. Weight Loss Surgery can decrease the effect of severe sleep apnea among people who are suffering from obesity.
In conclusion, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of snoring and sleep apnea is crucial to take control of your sleep health.
Please book an appointment with a consultant – pulmonology or somnology (sleep specialist) at Manipal Hospital Malleswaram to seek prompt medical guidance and treatment.
