Only in the last three decades has the medical community become acutely aware of the many causes and effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). By correcting my own OSA, I have experienced a dramatic change in not only my health, but the rate of my aging. It’s normal for those of us that are achieving larger numbers on our birthday cakes to take care of our OSA, but do you know that your grandchildren can experience life altering disabilities as a result of not acknowledging and treating this problem?
In the case of children, the major factors causing OSA are hereditary, dietary and environmental causes, plus adenoid and tonsil problems. In adults the factors increase to include being a male, being over 40, having a neck measuring over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women. Other factors include family history of OSA, allergies and sinus problems, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and obesity.
Untreated OSA has a terrible influence on all aspects of life. Isn’t it logical to realize that if your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen and isn’t allowed to be cleansed by deep sleep, it might not function to its best ability?
Not getting proper sleep can result in a multitude of symptoms that will lead you to seek medical attention and possibly receive inappropriate drugs with additional side effects. I see this frequently in my practice. In children, untreated OSA can cause behavioral problems, difficulty with learning and concentration, and even ADHD. In adults untreated OSA can cause metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems, irritability, vehicle crashes, loss of libido, liver problems, complications with medications and surgeries, weight gain, and can even reduce immune system performance.
What is beyond ridiculous is that all this doesn’t have to happen. Listen to your children sleep. Listen to your spouse sleep. If the kids snore, especially, if they occasionally gasp and move, have them see a sleep specialist. If you have any questions, or if as an adult you have OSA symptoms, call my office.
Typical symptoms can include daytime sleepiness, snoring, dreams of drowning, lack of dreams, foggy brain on awakening, insomnia, lack of energy, and forgetfulness.
What is really important is that if not treated, your morbidity and incidence of illnesses will increase. The chance of being in an accident greatly increases as well as the likelihood of dementia and accelerated aging.
The good news is that OSA can be corrected. If you have any doubt, call us at the Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Center, 925-837-8048. Whatever your problem, we will do our best to get you to the proper professional treatment in order to give you the best of care.
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