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. 

What You May Not Know About Sleep Apnea: OSA Complications and Treatment

While it is relatively common knowledge that sleep apnea can be dangerous if left untreated, the majority of patients are not acutely aware of the serious complications of this common condition. At Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center in Seattle, WA, Dr. Robert L. Horchover and his team help patients who suffer from sleep apnea protect themselves from the many potentially life-threatening effects of their disorder.

The Importance of Managing Sleep Apnea

The most common complaint from patients with obstructive sleep apnea is excessive daytime fatigue, even after what should have been a full night of sleep. In addition to robbing you of your much-needed rest, sleep apnea lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. Oxygen deprivation while you sleep is just as serious as it sounds and can lead to a vast number of health conditions. Some of the medical problems associated with untreated sleep apnea include:

·         Epilepsy and seizures

·         Chronic headaches

·         Asthma

·         Obesity

·         Type 2 diabetes

·         Stroke

·         High blood pressure

·         Heart attack

·         Coronary artery disease

Fortunately, sleep apnea treatment at Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center can greatly reduce your risk of developing these and other complications. If you or someone you love suffers from this serious sleep disorder, contact us today to find out how our comprehensive treatment plans can help. From our conveniently located office in Seattle, WA, Dr. Horchover serves patients from the surrounding communities in Everett, Tacoma, Redmond, Alaska and beyond. We look forward to helping you protect yourself against the many lesser-known effects of sleep apnea.