What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder among adults of all ages. In fact, studies suggest that adult menopause is a common time when symptoms of sleep apnea begin to occur. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences, not only to the health of the individual affected, but also to the health of the individuals around them. Therefore, it is essential for anyone experiencing sleep apnea to learn what is sleep apnea and how is it diagnosed. By learning how is it diagnosed, you will be better equipped to deal with the symptoms and the complications that can arise as a result of sleep apnea.

 

Inhalation of the breath occurs when the air moves over the tissue of the upper respiratory system, while exhalation occurs when this air moves out of the lungs. The airways are made by soft tissue, including the muscles, the trachea, and the tonsils. When these soft tissues become damaged by obstruction, they can stop the passage of air or slow down the flow of air, causing the person to stop breathing or to have lapses in between breathing. The different types of sleep apnea are generally classified as either central or mixed.

 

The treatment options available for sleep apnea vary. Depending upon the severity of the disorder, the doctor will typically recommend a number of different procedures. Often, the most effective treatments involve using multiple different methods to try to isolate the cause of the problem. This is why, as a patient, it is important to be aware of what tests and treatments are normally recommended. Following are some of the more common treatments used in the treatment of this disorder.

 

One common treatment for sleep apnea is for your physician to prescribe an anti-diuretic medication. This is usually used to treat high levels of salt in the body, which can contribute to increased episodes of apneic events. If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should also see your family doctor or hypertension specialist. Doctors will usually begin treatment as soon as they begin to see signs of the disorder. Generally, you will be monitored closely during the course of your treatment. While it is most effective if treated early in the course of the condition, sometimes it is necessary to wait until the condition has progressed to the point that more aggressive intervention is needed.

 

Lifestyle changes are one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. These include making certain dietary and lifestyle changes in order to reduce your body's dependence on salt. In addition to diet and exercise, doctors may recommend making nasal adjustments in order to improve air passage. In particular, they may recommend losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing the use of alcoholic beverages.

 

In some instances, a doctor will make a sleep apnea diagnosis even when a patient has not shown any symptoms. For instance, when a person has sleep apnea but wakes up with a morning headache, they may be advised to see a doctor. However, in other cases, when a patient does exhibit several symptoms, and a full history of their medical history has been taken into account, a doctor will usually make the diagnosis even if the patient is experiencing no obvious symptoms. In these cases, doctors will most likely perform a physical exam and a series of laboratory tests in order to make a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can be started to address the sleep apnea.

 

To understand the relationship between sleep apnea and mixed or complex sleep apnea, it is important to understand the nature of each type of sleep apnea. For example, stage I sleep apnea (also called "mixed" or "complex") is characterized by pauses that occur just before the heart begins to naturally slow down during breathing. On the other hand, stage II sleep apnea is characterized by an excessive slowing of the heart's rate, which can cause daytime sleepiness and lethargy. Finally, complex sleep apnea is typically an indication of obstructive sleep apnea (which is a form of sleep apnea where the airway becomes blocked during sleep).

 

One way to treat sleep apnea is with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) but you must remember to keep your machine clean. Continuous positive airway pressure is often used to treat sleep apnea that has started due to obstructive sleep apnea. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask is attached to the patient's nose and mouth using an air pressure transducer, and the mask keeps the air flowing continuously. As air passes through the mask, the airway automatically opens, forcing the air out of the throat. This procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. Continuous positive airway pressure also has the advantage of being easier on the skin than other methods of treating sleep apnea.