Rewinding the Years: Dental Care Tips for Older Adults

Did your partner inform you that you snore loudly while asleep and occasionally seems as though you are out of breath? Although you may not feel as though there is nothing wrong with you and the issues are normal, you might actually have a serious condition that should be treated if it is severe. Basically, the symptoms that you are experiencing can be related to a condition that is called sleep apnea. If you are suffering from such a condition, it can leave you feeling fatigued throughout each day, as well as experience other complications. By continuing to read this article, you will find answers to some of the most common questions that are asked about sleep apnea.

What Defines Sleep Apnea?

Basically, sleep apnea has to do with having an abnormal breathing pattern while you are asleep. For instance, your breathing doesn't remain consistent due to it stopping abruptly and starting back again. The breathing pattern happens frequently, which also leads to you snoring louder than usual. People suffering from the condition often wake up with a dry mouth, and may also be more irritable than usual due to feeling tired. You can actually get a sufficient amount of sleep and still wake up feeling tired when you have sleep apnea.

Who is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

There are several things that can cause one person to be more at risk of developing sleep apnea than another. For instance, if there is a member of your family who suffers from the condition, your chance of having it is increased. Being overweight is one of the other risk factors that plays a role in someone developing sleep apnea. Other risk factors to be aware of includes frequent nasal congestion, smoking, and simply being elderly. People who have a thicker neck size, usually males, are at risk for the condition due to airways possibly being narrower than usual.

What Does Diagnosis & Treatment Involve?

Diagnosing sleep apnea begins as with most conditions, such as going over the symptoms that you have been experiencing. Your body will also be examined to determine if your weight is of concern, or if you have an underlying condition that is contributing to the problem. Your sleep may have to be monitored by professionals at a center that diagnoses such disorders. As for treating the condition, it will depend on the type of sleep apnea you are suffering from, and how severe it is. For instance, a change of lifestyle might resolve the problem, or you might have to wear a special mouth appliance while sleeping, and possibly even have to undergo surgery.