What Are Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder affecting your breathing during the night. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing repeatedly stops and starts, disrupting your sleep and potentially impacting your health. If you're experiencing symptoms, consider visiting Southern Crescent ENT for evaluation and treatment.

The primary cause of sleep apnea is the relaxation of throat muscles during sleep, leading to blocked airways. Factors like obesity, genetics, and age can increase the risk. Loud and persistent snoring, choking or gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches warrant a doctor's visit. If your partner mentions your snoring is disruptive or observes moments where you stop breathing during sleep, take these signs seriously.

At Southern Crescent ENT, our ENTs can diagnose sleep apnea in Stockbridge, GA, through a comprehensive evaluation, which may include a sleep study. We offer effective treatments tailored to your specific needs, such as lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy, or surgical options if necessary.

What Are Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

Two primary types of sleep apnea exist obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA), each with distinct causes and symptoms.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking your airway intermittently. You may snore loudly, experience choking or gasping for air, and wake up abruptly feeling tired. You're at a higher risk for this type if you're overweight or have a narrow throat.

Central sleep apnea, on the other hand, is less common and arises from a communication glitch between your brain and the muscles controlling breathing. You may not snore as loudly, but your breathing can pause abruptly, and you might wake up with a shortness of breath. It's often linked to underlying conditions like heart failure or certain medications.

Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, is a blend of OSA and CSA, further complicating the diagnosis.

If you or someone you know experiences loud snoring, frequent awakenings, excessive daytime sleepiness, or other signs of sleep apnea, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Untreated sleep apnea in Stockbridge, GA, can lead to dangerous health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and impaired cognitive function, so seeking help is crucial for healthier, more restful sleep.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment

Sleep apnea diagnosis typically begins with a sleep study at a sleep center or through a portable home device to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs while you sleep.

Once diagnosed, treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and changing sleep positions may help. ENTs recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for moderate to severe cases.

Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep apnea in Stockbridge and Fayetteville, GA, and want to schedule an appointment with our physicians at Southern Crescent ENT, call today. Call (770) 474-7416 for the office in Stockbridge, GA, and (678) 817-4390 for the office in Fayetteville, GA.