Sleep apnea can be a surprisingly dangerous health problem for individuals to have because they may drastically underestimate the severity of this condition, and they may also have difficulty recognizing that this problem is occurring to them. However, it is possible for a patient to effectively manage their sleep apnea as long as they have accurate information about this condition.

Is Sleep Apnea Only A Problem For Individuals That Are Overweight?

It is true that many individuals that are overweight may develop sleep apnea at some point during their lives. However, obesity is not the only factor that can contribute to a person developing sleep apnea. Smoking can be another common trigger for this condition as well as asthma or other respiratory problems.

Is It Hard To Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

Diagnosing sleep apnea can be different from other conditions due to the fact that this condition occurs when a person is sleeping. However, it is still possible for a person to be diagnosed with this condition through a couple of different strategies. Modern technology may allow individuals to utilize sleep monitoring sensors to assess their breathing while they are sleeping in their own beds. However, if this option is not possible with your situation, it will be necessary to visit a sleep apnea center so that your sleeping can be monitored.

How Do You Treat Your Sleep Apnea?

There are numerous ways that a person's sleep apnea can be treated. For example, the use of a CPAP machine can be one of the more commonly utilized options for individuals that are suffering from mild sleep apnea. However, if you have more severe sleep apnea, it may be necessary to undergo surgery to remove the tissue that is obstructing your airway while you are sleeping. Before your doctor will be able to devise a treatment plan, the severity of your sleep apnea will have to be assessed.

What Can Happen To Patients That Fail To Take Their Sleep Apnea Seriously?

There are some patients that may be under the impression that sleep apnea will do little more than simply interrupt their sleep. However, this condition can cause a variety of secondary problems that can be extremely serious. Many patients may fail to realize that sleep apnea can put a lot of pressure on the heart as a result of the interruptions to the body's air supply. This can increase a person's risk of developing heart disease, suffering a stroke, or experiencing other potentially deadly complications.

For more information, contact a sleep apnea center in your area.