Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that has potentially severe symptoms. A doctor will diagnose sleep apnea through a thorough evaluation. Many people might have thought that it was snoring that was interrupting their sleep cycles. When an individual receives a diagnosis of sleep apnea, it may come as a shock, or they may feel overwhelmed with the prescribed treatment plan. Or a person may have many questions floating around their head regarding treatment and their overall health.
The first step an individual with sleep apnea should take is communicating with their doctor about their concerns and their specific treatment plan. To understand the necessary treatments for sleep apnea, one must know the types of sleep apnea.
Types of Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
With varying degrees of symptoms, understanding the type of sleep apnea diagnosed is vital for ensuring proper treatment.
There are three main categories of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Central sleep apnea
- Complex sleep apnea
Additionally, each diagnosis type has varying causes and risk factors.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When the throat muscles relax during sleep is called obstructive sleep apnea. Some risk factors for this type are:
- Excess weight
- Neck circumference
- Narrowed airway
- Family history
- Alcohol, sedative, or tranquilizer use
- Smoking
- Nasal congestion
- Medical conditions
Central Sleep Apnea
An individual’s brain stops sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing function with this diagnosis. Risk factors include:
- Heart disorders
- Narcotic pain medications
- Stroke
Complex Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea. Individuals with this diagnosis will have a treatment plan that blends treatment for obstructive and central for optimal results.
Treating A Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Sleep apnea can complicate daily life. Sleep apnea may affect a person’s mood and metabolism. Additionally, it may increase their chances of other health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or other heart problems.
Dr. Buck will prescribe an individualized treatment plan based on the given diagnosis and ongoing evaluation. The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is utilizing Oral Appliance therapy. Many different appliances will make room for the tongue. Oral Appliance therapy devices will place the tongue into the proper position. So when it comes time for sleep, the tongue doesn’t block the airways, allowing a restful and recuperative night’s sleep.
Contact Dr. Buck
If blocked airways interrupt sleep and prevent a fulfilled life, don’t hesitate to reach out! Dr. Buck is a facial orthopedist based in the state of Washington. Dr. Buck, and his fellow ENT physicians and pulmonologists, by combing their expertise, help patients find relief from sleep apnea. With Dr. Buck and his team, relief from the severity and alleviate symptoms of sleep breathing issues is possible. For more information on Dr. Buck’s practice and the treatment options he provides, please schedule an appointment or call us today at 206-316-8286.