Combating Obstructive Sleep Apnea

I cannot stand the loud snoring of my father when I was a child, even my mother. That was more than three decades ago. My time has come to experience the snoring concert that my father did.

That’s when I’ve seen the topic about it on television, the so-called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Too much stress because of work is the main cause of snoring. If you go home from work and feel very tired; that you have no time undressing, then drop on the bed like a log and pass out and fall into a sleep snoring; you better consult your doctor for a clear and sensible advise.

The OSA Facts

Apnea comes from the Greek word apnoia or breathless. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common among types of sleep apnea. The other one is Central Sleep Apnea.

In OSA,the snoring sound is caused by collapsed airway. How is this so? The blockage will cause breathing pauses that can be irritating to our ears. You can also hear it while you are sleeping, and oftentimes, you will change position again for a comfortable sleep. But if your airways are blocked, whatever position you may do, it will still cause snoring, a very loud snoring. The OSA happens more to people who are overweight, but it can happen to anyone, especially when you went home very tired; that you didn't have time to change clothes and dropped like a log on the bed and began snoring, much to the disgust of your partner, if you have.

When untreated, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity and diabetes.

If you work on the radio or television, you're almost in the field 24/7. I've experienced snoring even I was 21 years old (18 years ago). Now, because I changed my job and lifestyle, I seldom heard myself snoring, without the use of mouthpieces, surgery or breathing devices to hinder the effects of snoring.

Here in the Philippines, The Manila Doctors Hospital have a special laboratory for people who want to admit themselves to check their sleep apnea.

Dr. Victor S. Ejercito, MD, Otolaryngology (ENT doctor for ears, nose and throat) expert and a University of the Philippines (UP) of Medicine graduate, said that sleep apnea is usually a chronic (ongoing) condition that disrupts your sleep 3 times or more every week. Dr. Ejercito who also work at Manila Doctors Hospital explained in a television interview that a corrective surgery can solve the risky symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring.

Meanwhile, Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) often occurs with obstructive sleep apnea , but it can occur alone. You didn't have to hear a snore if your have this kind of apnea. It is a common type and is caused by the incorrect signals of the brain to your breathing muscles. With this kind of apnea, you will not experience shallow breathing.

Sleep Apnea Linkages

To further understand what I've written on this hub, please follow the links that I've opened for  related studies and application.

http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/patients/?page=providerdetails&id=317

http://www.iifar.org/Sleep_Apnea_Symptoms_Causes_and_Treatment.html