Sleep Apnea vs. An Open Airway
Sleep apnea can occur at any age and in any gender. Click on the thumbnails below to view the difference between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and an open airway.
Factors That Affect Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Male gender
- Being overweight
- Over the age of 40
- Having a large neck size, that of 17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women
- Having large tonsils, large tongue, or small jaw bone
- A familial history
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Nasal obstruction
Do You Have the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Easton & Bethesda, MD
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that interrupts breathing and causes you to awaken several times during the night. There are two types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). CSA is not common and results from a failure of the brain to send a signal to the muscles that control breathing. The majority of patients with a snoring problem have OSA, which results from a blockage of the airway in the throat. This can occur when the tissue in the back of the throat relaxes. If you have a snoring problem or find yourself fatigued during the day, schedule a consultation with Dr. John V. Louis for the treatment of sleep apnea in Easton, MD. Signs that you have sleep apnea may include:
- Insomnia
- Extreme daytime fatigue
- Headaches upon waking
- A loud snoring problem or waking yourself up by snoring
- Making choking or gasping sounds during the night
Risk Factors Involved With Sleep Apnea in Easton, MD
While anyone can experience sleep apnea, there are factors that can raise the likelihood of developing the condition. People who are more susceptible to the snoring problems of sleep apnea have the following in common:
- Male gender
- Overweight
- Over the age of 40
- Large neck size
- Small jaw
- Large tongue or tonsils
- Nasal obstruction
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Family history of snoring problems or sleep apnea
People who suffer from sleep apnea have a greater likelihood of heart failure and stroke. If you believe that you are at risk for sleep apnea, visit Dr. Louis to discover your options. Treatments are available for mild to severe snoring problems ranging from simple dental appliances to laser surgery.
There is no need to suffer with the chronic fatigue of Sleep Apnea. Contact Dr. Louis in Easton, MD today at (410) 820-9599 for your consultation. We love to hear from you!