Background
Snoring is caused by vibration of collapsed throat tissue. A common site is the soft palate around the tonsils. 50% of all men and about 1/3 of all female adult Americans snore. While snoring alone is not considered a health risk it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affecting approximately 20 million Americans. The number of undiagnosed OSA patients is likely much higher. In OSA the throat tissue collapses while sleeping, which, in very severe cases, may occur once every minute resulting in repeated sleep interruptions.
Many but not all patients with OSA may suffer from any of the following symptoms:
Snoring is caused by vibration of collapsed throat tissue. A common site is the soft palate around the tonsils. 50% of all men and about 1/3 of all female adult Americans snore. While snoring alone is not considered a health risk it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affecting approximately 20 million Americans. The number of undiagnosed OSA patients is likely much higher. In OSA the throat tissue collapses while sleeping, which, in very severe cases, may occur once every minute resulting in repeated sleep interruptions.
Many but not all patients with OSA may suffer from any of the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Nocturnal choking and gasping for air
- Fatigue/ frequent napping
- (Morning) headaches
- Memory loss
- Anxiety and depression
Early recognition and treatment of sleep apnea is important because it can lead to severe complications:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
- Stroke
- Depression
- Increased risk of car accidents
- Increased risk of early death (up to 15 years sooner)
Untreated OSA patients are at risk to develop other complication as listed above
Treatment
Patients with OSA need to be evaluated by a specialist. Depending on severity, OSA usually requires treatment to improve symptoms and to avoid secondary complications. While CPAP is a great option to treat OSA, the reality is that only 50% of all OSA patients tolerate CPAP.
Dr. Weidenbecher will develop a tailored treatment plan for patients, who have been unable to use CPAP, and discuss all of the following options:
Patients with OSA need to be evaluated by a specialist. Depending on severity, OSA usually requires treatment to improve symptoms and to avoid secondary complications. While CPAP is a great option to treat OSA, the reality is that only 50% of all OSA patients tolerate CPAP.
Dr. Weidenbecher will develop a tailored treatment plan for patients, who have been unable to use CPAP, and discuss all of the following options: