3 Things A Sufferer Of Sleep Apnea Should Know

Being unaware that you are snorting and loudly snoring while asleep can cause embarrassment when you are in a relationship. If you were told by your partner that your snorting and snoring problems happens on a nightly basis, it might point to there being a serious condition present. For example, the symptoms that you have are associated with a condition that is called sleep apnea. If you want to bring the symptoms under control, visiting a specialist might be the best option to consider. Browse this article for a  list of the important things you should know in regards to suffering from sleep apnea.

1. How Sleep Apnea Can Occur

There are a several things that can happen with your body and cause sleep apnea to occur. For example, when you are asleep, it is possible for your throat muscles to relax to the extent of air having a difficult time passing in and out of your body. As the air struggles to pass in and out, it leads to sounds such as snorting and snoring being made, which can disturb your sleep. Another problem that causes sleep apnea is when the brain is unable to signal the muscles that are responsible for you being able to breathe smoothly. Keep in mind that it is possible that you are suffering from all of the problems that cause sleep apnea at the same time.

2. Tests That a Specialist Might Administer

Before running tests to diagnose sleep apnea, a specialist will need information about your symptoms. He or she might need to speak with your partner to find out how often the symptoms occur when you are asleep. If sleep apnea is suspected, the specialist might send you home with a few devices that can measure certain aspects of your body. For example, your blood oxygen levels and heart rate are a few things that might have to be monitored while you are asleep. If anything that is abnormal is found, a professional test known as nocturnal polysomnography might be done in a facility that monitor multiple aspects of your body while you are asleep.

3. How Symptoms Can Be Controlled

The method that a specialist might suggest for controlling sleep apnea symptoms depends on how severe the condition is. If you are only suffering from mild sleep apnea, it is possible that a few lifestyle changes is all that is needed to control the symptoms. For example, if you are a smoker, the specialist might recommend that you stop to see if it helps with your breathing problem. There are numerous ways for sleep apnea to be treated when it is moderate or severe, so your specific condition will play a role in the method used. It is possible that you will have to use devices while sleeping, or even undergo surgery.


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