Apnea: What You Need To Know About It.

By Carla Pearce


Apnea is a word used to describe a disorder that makes breathing difficult when a person is sleeping. Breathing stops every now and then meaning that the body and more so the brain do not get enough oxygen.

Such a person does not enjoy sleep; furthermore, they are more likely to snore, thus affecting those who share a bed with them.

Apneas can be divided into two groups: Obstructive and central apnea. Obstructive types of apneas are caused by a mass of soft tissue originating from the throat area blocking the air pass way thus difficulty in breathing.

As the name suggests the obstructive type is due to the airway being closed up by tissues originating from the throat area.

Males form majority of the patients with this disease due to their thick necks. Other risk factors include a sudden increase in weight; the body demands more oxygen thus snoring, also the neck is overwhelmed by the extra weight.

Furthermore, those over 40 and with a family history of this disease are at a higher risk.

Late detection and treatment of this disease can increase the risk of death due to complications of high blood pressure, strokes, brain dysfunction as well as diabetes.

Some severe cases are treat by performing surgeries or providing medication in form of nasal decongestants. Bipap and Cpap devices are preferred in some cases; they cover the face of the patient at night to help them breath properly.

Advanced cases can be treated through surgery to remove any tissue blocking the airway. Some form of masks worn at night to enhance smooth breathing can be used; Bipap and Cpap are the most common.Obesity is the most common culprit in this disease with 7 out of every 10 people presenting with the condition being overweight.

Consequently, regular exercising is crucial in its prevention. People who snore often could be having apnea thus should seek medical attention.




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