Sleep Apnea Can Even Cause Sudden Death at Night!

Obstructive sleep apnea; It is defined as tens or hundreds of interruptions of breathing during sleep due to the relaxation of the muscles surrounding the airway and the constriction that results. Sleep apnea, which ranks second after insomnia among the most common sleep diseases, can be seen in young people and even in children today due to the increase in the frequency of obesity.

Moreover, if it is not treated, it can result in sudden death, especially at night or in the morning, due to the problems it causes, as well as significantly reducing the quality of life! Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Mustafa Emir Tavsanli warned that the oxygen rate in the blood decreases during sleep apnea, and said, “Fluctuations in oxygen levels can damage the tissues in the body. Especially damage to the vascular structures can cause obstructions in the veins. Same zamSudden increases in blood pressure can also be seen, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases known as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is vital not to be late in treatment. " says.

The most important risk is obesity

The risk of sleep apnea increases after the age of 40 in men and after menopause in women. Especially being overweight is the most important risk factor in sleep apnea. According to the studies; A 10 percent increase in our weight increases the risk of sleep apnea 6 times. In addition, if the neck structure of the person is short and the path through which the air passes in the throat has a structurally narrow anatomy, the risk of apnea increases. In addition to these, some genetic diseases, hypothyroidism and acromegaly cause sleep apnea; Some drugs, smoking and alcohol consumption can also trigger sleep apnea.

Continuous breathing with 'compressed air'!

Diagnosis of sleep apnea; In addition to the complaints of the patient, a night's sleep is monitored and various parameters such as brain activity, respiration, heart rhythm and body muscle movements are recorded with a 'polysomnography' examination. In these examinations the same zamAt the moment, the severity of sleep apnea is also determined. “We also give compressed air to the patient in the treatment. With this method, we aim to overcome the obstruction in the airway and to continue breathing uninterruptedly. The device that gives continuous positive air pressure, which we call CPAP, is sufficient in general. " Providing his information, Neurology Specialist Dr. Mustafa Emir Tavşanlı continues as follows: “In some patients, surgery may be considered for structures that narrow the anatomical structure of the throat and nose. Because this stenosis can sometimes be at a level that prevents the use of compressed air devices. As the quality of sleep increases with the treatment given, the patient's complaints disappear. In addition to this treatment, it is also important for the patient to lose weight. If enough weight is lost, the pressure needed by the patients decreases and device therapy may not be required in some patients.

If you have these symptoms, zamDo not waste the moment!

“Although patients often come with snoring complaints, this is not the only symptom. In fact, there may not be apnea in the table called simple snoring. " said Dr. Mustafa Emir Tavşanlı lists the warning signs in terms of sleep apnea as follows:

1. Loud and intermittent snoring
2. Noticing the breathing breaks of the patient by the people around
3. Waking up like a drowning
4. Feeling the need to go to the toilet at night
5. Sweating, especially on the neck and chest, at night
6. Waking up tired in the morning
7. Being sleepy and tired during the day
8. Waking up in the morning with a headache
9. Forgetfulness, attention and concentration impairment