When you stop breathing during sleep, your body is deprived of oxygen, which leads to serious health complications. our team of Physicians help you reclaim your sleep with CPAP machines, lifestyle adjustments, and mouth appliances.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact the specialists at ENT Specialists of Austin online or over the phone at their Austin or Cedar Park, Texas locations.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to breathe in a disruptive start-and-stop pattern while you sleep. Sleep apnea can result in dangerous side effects.
The three types of sleep apnea are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: the throat relaxes and blocks airflow
- Central sleep apnea: problems with brain signals that control breathing
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Another person might make you aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea before you notice them. For instance, they may notice that your breathing stops or that you snore loudly.
Other signs of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up unrested
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Sudden waking with shortness of breath
What are the Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea isn’t just a problem with sleep. The disorder can affect your overall health and cause life-threatening complications without any treatment. The decreased oxygen and sleep disruptions associated with sleep apnea increase your risk for the following:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Vehicle or workplace accidents
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
What Treatment Options are Available for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
The first line of treatment usually involves lifestyle adjustments and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, followed by surgery to correct obstructions.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Obesity and smoking con