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Sleep apnea affects more than 25 million people in the United States. It is a progressive condition that interrupts breathing patterns throughout a person’s sleep. People that suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may have episodes of stopping breathing up to hundreds of times per night for 10 seconds or longer, and along with this disruption comes many negative side effects and morbidities.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The Short answer to sleep apnea’s cause is that the airway collapses during sleep due to one or more of the following conditions, obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress, lung disease like COPD, emphysema or asthma, drugs, and various ailments. Once the sleep pattern is disrupted, the lack of oxygen to the brain and heart can cause serious health concerns and implications.
What are the Side Effects and Complications
Associated with Sleep Apnea?
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Chronic disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Behavioral issues
• Stroke
• Brain health impairment
If not treated, over time, OSA can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes and other serious complications.
What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
• Snoring
• Gasping
• Dry mouth
• Choking
• Cognitive decline or foggy sensations
• Restless sleeping
• Depression and irritability
Getting Treatment Makes A Difference in your Lung Health!
The CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a therapy that has proven to be efficacious in helping patients sleep more soundly and with better airflow by blowing a steady stream of air into the nose. The flow of air helps to keep the airway open during sleep. On Neuroimaging, CPAP treatment has shown a significant reversal of brain and cognitive disorders caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain. Getting CPAP treatment and incorporating it into your nightly routine will help to improve your vascular health, lung function, cognitive functioning and other sleep disturbance related health conditions. CPAP therapy can also alleviate pulmonary hypertension.
In addition to the CPAP therapy, losing weight (if obese), stopping excessive alcohol ingestion, sleeping on your side as opposed to your back, meditative relaxation breathing, quitting smoking and eliminating sleep medications or narcotics
About Dr. Warman
Poonam Warman, M.D. has been practicing medicine for over 25 years. She is one of the only female pulmonologists in the area and specializes in sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Warman treats all aspects of lung disease and disorders. Her patients love the time that she takes to explain their personal situation, and they appreciate her innovative approach to treating diseases by getting to the root issues of the bodies overall condition.
To find out more about Dr. Warman and to schedule your appointment, please call (352) 369-6139
Dr. Poonam Warman’s Office Location
1500 SE Magnolia Extension Suite #202
Ocala, FL
(352) 369-6139
