Dr. Jose Medina-Bairan, Dr. Gabriel Medina-Smester, and Dr. Juan Guarderas of the Maranatha Medical Plaza in Valdosta, GA, understand that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has many symptoms. The most common include loud snoring, gasping for air, stopping breathing during sleep, waking up with a dry mouth, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Loud Snoring
Many people don't realize that loud snoring is one of the most common signs of OSA. But, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. The snoring sound occurs when the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat vibrate as air passes. The vibration increases when the throat or nasal airway is narrowed, resulting in loud snoring.
You Stop Breathing During Sleep
OSA occurs when muscles block the airway in the throat or neck. Specifically, the upper airway collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop for up to 10 seconds. As a result, people with this condition have trouble staying asleep and often wake up with shortness of breath or dizziness.
If you have been experiencing any of the above signs, it is essential to consult Maranatha Medical Plaza. As mentioned above, untreated sleep apnea in Valdosta, GA, can cause heart problems and often leads to heart failure.
Gasping For Air While Sleeping
Gasping for air while sleeping is a common symptom of OSA, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. If left untreated, it can be deadly. When the muscles in the back of your throat relax during sleep, they can cause the airway to become narrowed. This results in snoring and other nighttime symptoms.
Waking Up With A Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a common symptom of OSA. People with this type of sleep disorder often breathe through their mouths during the night, which reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to their bodies. Several different things can cause a dry mouth. In some cases, it's a side effect of some medications. Other times, it may be a symptom of something more serious.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common complaint among patients with OSA. Therefore, it is essential to recognize OSA as a medical condition so that it can be adequately treated. The first thing to do is get a sleep study to diagnose your condition. Fortunately, treatment can often relieve symptoms and make people more comfortable sleeping.
Click here to schedule your appointment at Maranatha Medical Plaza in Valdosta, GA, if you suspect sleep apnea is affecting your health. Dr. Medina-Bairan, Dr. Gabriel Medina-Smester, and Dr. Juan Guarderas run tests to determine if you are affected by this disorder. Schedule an appointment today. Call (229) 247-1667.