Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
It is often hard to differentiate between snoring and a serious
medical condition known as sleep apnea. However, there are
definitive symptoms of sleep apnea if you know what to look for.
Snoring, for instance, is a distracting occurrence caused by
vibrations from fatty tissues rubbing against the back of the
throat.
Sleep apnea is much more serious and may be recognize by the
presence of heavy snoring, pauses between breaths, etc. A spouse
may be the best source of information relating to these, but the
apnea sufferer will instantly recognize the absence of breath
through the night.
One of the symptoms of sleep apnea is the complete loss of air
on multiple occasions throughout the night. It is a known fact
that sufferers actually stop breathing on more than on occasion.
As a result, the sufferer may awake short of breath, choking or
gasping for air, etc. They may not realize what has happened at
first, but may start to recognize a pattern of shortness of
breath and discomfort during the night.
Sleep apnea is often recognized in other ways, as well. One of
the less obvious symptoms of sleep apnea is fatigue, which is
also present in so many other ailments. Fatigue exists due to
the disruption of sleep and/or inability to fall asleep.
Additional symptoms of sleep apnea may include headaches, the
inability to concentrate on everyday activities, exhaustion,
irritability, etc.
The symptoms of sleep apnea are noticeable if you are familiar
with them. However, even if symptoms of sleep apnea are present,
only a physician can properly diagnose the disorder. A series of
questions and a sleep study may be ordered during the evaluation
period.
It is very important to receive an early diagnosis because, if
left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious medical
conditions. Among them, heart disease, an increased risk of a
stroke and more.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It
should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical
advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please
consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy