The Fatal Outcome of Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea

Hold your breath 60 seconds long. Wait and keep for thirty minutes. Okay, for eight hours do that twice an hour. It's hard to do something, isn't it? Now imagine it all night — you wouldn't get a decent sleep at night! For certain people with obstructive sleep apnea disorder this is nothing new. Many who have sleep apnea can no longer breathe during their sleep. The outcome could be fatal if proper sleep apnea treatment is not availed.

Although snoring is a regular symptom of sleep apnea, it is not necessary to have a sleeping study to establish the cause of snoring for someone. A family member or bed partner normally hears this persistent snoring, accompanied by coughing or scratching. While everyone can get sleep apnea, obese people are more likely to experience it.

You and your bed mate can experience a bad night's sleep due to snoring. However, it is a sign of a bigger issue if this occurs because of the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The disease increases the risk for other complications, such as hypertension and diabetes. With passage of time, it can be more devastating. But you can quickly overcome some of those issues if you treat sleep apnea.

Health issues you can experience if you have OSA are as follows:

Does Sleep Apnea Possess Death Threat?

Sleep apnea is clearly a big drawback. It can be fatal if the following health issues take place:

Diabetes

The risk of health complications is higher for diabetes patients. This can lead to kidney damage, damage to nerves, blindness, and amputation when not properly treated.

Feeling Sleeping During Daytime

Who hasn't battled the 3 PM slump at work in the afternoon? Your body does not get the soothing sleep you need when you have sleep apnea. This means that you can fall asleep while driving or doing any other important work. Speak to an ear, nose, and neck doctor who can help you if you are regularly and seriously drowsy during these vital tasks.

Heart disease

The possibility of heart failure – the number one American killer – is sleep apnea. You should be very cautious about the sleep apnea treatment if you already are a heart patient.

Stroke

A stroke is a weakening "brain attack" which can cause partial motor paralysis. Sleep apnea can cause hypertension and increase your risk of stroke.

Symptoms and Signs of the Disease

If you have any of the following symptoms, plan your calendar for your ENT appointment:

  • Remembering Issues

  • Dry mouth or sore neck after waking

  • Tumbling of moods

  • Morning headaches

  • Irritation

The good news is that sleep apnea can be treated. The use of CPAP (Continual Positive Airway Pressure) is the best way. This machine has a nose- and sometimes mouth-playing mask. The CPAP system provides a constant oxygen stream so your throat is clear, snoring is eliminated and no breath ceases in the night.

What are you waiting for then? Book your schedule with OKOA in OKC today. Our doctors can provide the right treatment that you need to get over this fatal disease.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.