Types of Sleep Apnea
There are
three types of sleep apnea — obstructive, central, and complex.
Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type of sleep
apnea; it occurs when throat muscles become relaxed during sleep and soft
tissue blocks the airway.
Central sleep apnea: This condition occurs when the brain
doesn’t send out the right signals to properly control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea: Some patients have complex sleep
apnea, which is both of the above types at once. Complex sleep apnea is also
called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Characteristics of
Sleep Apnea
One of the
most common symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Other symptoms include waking
up multiple times a night with shortness of breath, morning headaches, daytime
fatigue, and insomnia. If left untreated, sleep apnea can be harmful and even
fatal.
There are a
variety of sleep apnea risk factors to be aware of, including:
- Advanced age
- Being male
- Larger neck circumference
- Smoking
- Use of alcohol or sedatives
- Nasal congestion
Although
children can have sleep apnea — with many of the same symptoms — it’s far less
common than in adults. Childhood obesity is one risk factor that may raise a child’s
sleep apnea risk.
Treatment Options
There are a
variety of treatment options available for sufferers of sleep apnea. CPAP, or
continuous positive airway pressure, is a common treatment method. For some
patients, oral appliances are a better option. The oral appliances we use offer
superior mobility and are far less invasive than the CPAP route. The first step
is a thorough evaluation and exam, including an analysis of your dental and
medical history. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created to
suit your needs.
Schedule Your
Appointment
If you
suspect sleep apnea, schedule your appointment with Dr. Padamsee in our bright
and modern Wellesley, MA, dental office. Give us a call or reach out through
our appointment request form — we look forward to serving you!
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