What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Answers from the Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center in Seattle, WA

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a potentially debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans nightly. Individuals with OSA experience periodic lapses in breathing as they sleep and, because they are unconscious during these instances, they generally are unaware of the problem. Learning more about the contributing factors attributed to obstructive sleep apnea can help you discover the treatment plan that best suits your unique needs. At Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center in Seattle, WA, Dr. Robert. L. Horchover helps patients with OSA understand their condition and overcome its complications.

Why Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

This is a common question among OSA sufferers. Why me? Unfortunately, defining the precise cause of sleep apnea isn’t all that simple. Only a qualified specialist can provide you with detailed answers regarding your individual case. All the same, there are a number of risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea, including the following:

·         Being overweight

·         Being male

·         Having a collar size of 17 inches or larger in men and 16 inches or larger in women

·         Suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux)

·         Being over the age of 40

·         Family history of sleep disorders

·         Having large adenoids, tonsils, or tongue

·         Having an undersized jaw bone

·         Smoking or alcohol abuse

If one or more of these apply to you, you may be at an increased risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea. Specialized oral appliances and other methods of sleep apnea therapy may help manage your condition and restore your ability to live a healthy, happy life.

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, contact our office in Seattle, WA today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Horchover and his team. We specialize in helping patients just like you overcome this common condition, substantially reducing the risk of associated complications like high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and obesity. Our practice also serves families from nearby neighborhoods in Tacoma, Everett, Redmond, Alaska and more. Allow our experience and expertise in the treatment of sleep apnea to benefit you today.