What kind of sleep apnea do you have? There are three main types of sleep apnea, each with distinct conditions that trigger them and treatment options. If you’re suspicious that you may suffer from sleep apnea, get the opinion of a medical professional like Dr. Firouzi. Sleep apnea can have very serious consequences, which make it critical to be diagnosed early.
According to most estimates, sleep apnea affects more than 22 million Americans! This statistic puts sleep apnea within the ranks of type 2 diabetes for the number of people affected.
3 Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be categorized into three distinct types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and Mixed Sleep Apnea.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common of the three types. Caused by an airway blockage, this form of sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. OSA is most recognizable by the fluttering of the throat muscles.
- Central Sleep Apnea is the result of the brain failing to signal the muscles to breathe. Furthermore, there will be no effort to breathe again until the Carbon Dioxide levels in the blood get high enough to retrigger the brain.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea (Complex Sleep Apnea syndrome) is a combination of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. Mixing the two contributing causes to airway sleep disorders, Mixed Sleep Apnea is even more dangerous because they have to cope with a blocked airway and their brain not triggering muscles to breathe.
The Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment
Thankfully, sleep disorders are treatable. Effectively treating each of these sleep apnea types begins with the proper diagnosis. Sleep apnea is diagnosed via a sleep study. This study can be conducted at home using prescribed equipment or in a lab for the most accurate results.Many people are reluctant to see a doctor, either for fear of being diagnosed or because they think they already know what the doctor is going to tell them. This behavior can be detrimental to the health of people with undiagnosed sleep apnea since not having an official diagnosis can keep patients from receiving the level of treatment they need.
The Effects of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Undiagnosed sleep apnea equates to insufficient treatment. If left undiagnosed, sleep disorders like any of these forms of sleep apnea can cause:
- High blood pressure
- Other cardiovascular diseases
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Impotence
- Headaches
Sleep Apnea Treatment at the Center for Exceptional Dentistry
Sleep interruptions, lack of oxygen, weight gain, and obesity are all causes and effects of sleep apnea. Without diagnosis and sufficient treatment, effects of sleep apnea can have detrimental effects on a person’s health. Dr. Firouzi has experience treating sleep disorders for groups of all ages. To learn more about options for sleep apnea treatment, call Dr. Firouzi today at (412) 274-1126 or visit our contact page here.