Sleep Apnea vs. An Open Airway

Sleep apnea can occur at any age and in any gender. Click on the thumbnails below to view the difference between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and an open airway.

The Signs of Sleep Apnea

Think you might have sleep apnea?

Below are some of the common symptoms:
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Loud snoring
  • Waking up at night short of breath
  • Snorting or choking sounds during the night
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
  • Extreme drowsiness during the day
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Factors That Affect Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

  • Male gender
  • Being overweight
  • Over the age of 40
  • Having a large neck size, that of 17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women
  • Having large tonsils, large tongue, or small jaw bone
  • A familial history
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Nasal obstruction

Methods of Sleep Apnea Treatment in Potomac, MD

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bethesda, MDSleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that is characterized by loud gasping, breathing, or snoring. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible to prevent interference with daily activities. Patients should contact Taff & Levine DDS to receive sleep apnea treatment in Potomac, MD.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing becomes irregular and continually interrupts the sleep cycle. This is dangerous because it deprives the brain and body of oxygen while also preventing the patient from reaching a state of deep sleep. In most cases, sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of tissue in the back of the throat which blocks the airway. Since the symptoms only appear during sleep, it is usually the patient’s partner who notices signs such as loud breathing, gasping sounds, and snoring. Treatment should be provided as soon as possible.

Am I at risk?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of developing the condition:

  • If you are male
  • If you are overweight
  • Being over 40 years old
  • Having a neck larger than 17 inches in diameter
  • Having large tonsils or a small jaw bone
  • Having allergies or sinus problems

How is sleep apnea treated?

Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, Taff & Levine DDS may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Simply losing weight or changing your sleep position can be an effective snoring treatment for mild cases of sleep apnea.
  • Moderate cases may require a corrective device to prevent tissue from blocking the airways during sleep.
  • In more severe cases, the only effective snoring treatment may be surgery to remove excess tissue.

Get better sleep now by treating your sleep apnea. To learn more about your options regarding sleep apnea treatment in Potomac, MD, contact Taff & Levine DDS today!