What are the risks to leaving sleep apnea untreated? -
What are the risks to leaving sleep apnea untreated? -
What are treatment options? I have a relative with it and he refuses to get medical help for it, because he doesn-t want the doctor to tell him to stop smoking.Sleep apnea causes daytime fatigue, agitation and loss of concentration due to inadequate sleep.Blood pressure during apneic episodes also spikes at a dangerously high level, probably precipitating stroke in those who are predisposed. Sleep apnea can be caused by taking sedatives at bedtime, sleeping on ones back, and being overweight. Diagnosis is relatively simple, and if eliminating causative agents does not help, the sufferer can wear a snug fitting mask attached to a small compressor that forces air into the lungs at regular intervals to mimic regular breathing.I knew a man that was over weight. Not extreme but could lose a good 60 lbs. Anyways, he had to have one of those tubes placed in his throat which is hooked up to a oxygen tank. So sad, he had to take this tank with him wherever he went everyday. Tell your relative that.
I-ve heard of people having to use a oxygen mask just at night to help them throughtout the night. That-s not too bad. Better than having to carry around a oxygen tank.If he doesn-t get treatment for it, he could die from lack of oxygen in his sleep. Personally, I-d rather deal with a lecture from the doctor.Unfortunately, the risks of not getting treatment are that you could die. The doctor is going to tell him to stop smoking, it-s a crazy thing to do for anyone with a breathing problem.Sadly the risks can be grave. A close friend died in his sleep from this disease. it can weaken your heart. Urge your relitive to seek help soon for this. If the doctor tells him to stop smoking, and does nothig else for him, then that is a bad doctor. Your relitive doesn-t HAVE to quit even though a doc tells him too. It would be better for him, but that is no reason not to get treated.
Good LuckThe risk of leaving sleep apnea untreated is death. Either by suffocation or heart failure. Certainly, stopping smoking will help but will not cure it. Sleep apnea is caused by excess tissue in the nasopharynx area that obstructs breathing when a person sleeps. Prolonged apnea will eventually damage the heart by causing it to work extra hard to get oxygen to the body. The heart will, at some point, wear out and quit. Weight loss will help too. A sleep study is recommended to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and treatment for it. The treatment is CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. The device is a nasal mask connected to a machine that forces air through the airway while the person sleeps. The study and the machine is not at all uncomfortable. You get such relief from a good night-s sleep/rest that you wonder why you didn-t do it sooner. Encourage him to do something about it soon.
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