What You Need to Know About Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep plays a
crucial role in our overall health and quality of life, which is why it’s critical to catch and address any
conditions that disrupt our sleep. One of the most common sleep disturbances is
a potentially serious sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
Obstructive sleep
apnea is a condition where the back of the throat completely collapses during
sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing. The body reacts to this as it would
if you were choking; heart rate and blood pressure go up, oxygen levels in the
blood drop, and the brain releases adrenaline which pops you out of deep sleep
so you take a deep breath. This can happen over and over again throughout the
night, disrupting sleep, affecting quality of life, and causing significant
health problems.
OSA can cause
significant health risks if left untreated. Patients with untreated OSA have
increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, high
cholesterol, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, and chronic kidney disease. All
these risks combined can increase risk of mortality by 50% if left
untreated.
What causes
obstructive sleep apnea?
Research shows that
genetics can play a significant role in OSA by determining how the backs of our
throats are built and how much those muscles relax during sleep. Weight can
also contribute to OSA, but is not the only factor that determines if a person
is at risk of having sleep apnea. Anyone can have sleep apnea regardless of
age, gender or body build.
How is obstructive
sleep apnea diagnosed?
OSA is diagnosed
with a sleep test. In the past most of these sleep tests required an overnight
stay in the sleep lab but advances in equipment now allow us to accurately diagnose
OSA with a home sleep test in most cases. This requires the patient to wear
three pieces of equipment for one night at home.
How is obstructive
sleep apnea treated?
The most common
treatment option is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which
provides air pressure to the back of the throat through a mask worn over the
patient’s nose or nose and
mouth. For mild sleep apnea an oral mandibular advancement device, which is a
custom made mouthpiece that slightly advances the bottom jaw, can also be an
effective treatment.
What can patients
expect at Holland Hospital Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine?
A new diagnosis of
OSA can be overwhelming but at Holland Hospital Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine we
take the time to educate our patients, choose the best treatment option, and
follow closely as you get started with treatment. We strive to be available as a resource for
our patients and guide them through the process as easily as possible.
Where can I learn
more?
Is your quality of
sleep disrupting your life? Learn more about
Holland Hospital Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine and see what sets our practice
apart.
Back
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Rachel A. VanDyke, AGACNP
Rachel VanDyke, AGACNP, is a board certified nurse practitioner at Holland Hospital Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. She earned her bachelors of science in nursing from University of Michigan and her masters of science in nursing degree from Northern Kentucky University. Her previous experience as a nurse practitioner includes working in the hospitalist service and the intensive care unit.
Rachel lives in Grand Haven with her husband and two children and enjoys baking, camping, and spending time with her family.
Holland Hospital Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
854 Washington Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
Phone: (616) 395-2853
Fax: (616) 393-5319