A lot of people wonder what the connection between snoring and sleep apnea is. At least you know you are not alone if you are someone who has a snoring problem. If you are a snorer, you should consider the possibility that you have sleep apnea. Snoring is not the same as sleep apnea but can be a symptom associated with it.
Sleep apnea is considered as being quite a serious condition, although the majority of people dealing with it have no idea that they are. The reason that sleep apnea is so serious is because of the dangerous symptoms that are usually associated with the condition. A person with sleep apnea may experience pauses or breaks in breathing while they are sleeping. Others will find they wake up scared and in a sweat.
Snoring is often a warning sign of a sleep apnea condition so it is always best to get in and see your doctor. With just a few standard tests your doctor can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. Remember it is better to be safe rather than sorry so even if you do not end up having sleep apnea at least you got in to see your doctor and made sure. After the tests are complete and it is determined as to whether or not you have sleep apnea, if the tests are positive then your doctor will work to figure out what type of sleep apnea it is.
The obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is the most common type of sleep apnea diagnosed today. This refers to the type of sleep apnea that is caused by an obstruction in the person’s airflow. Doctors will be able to see a blockage in the airflow and use this to determine whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea. The central sleep apnea is considered to be the more dangerous form of this condition and one that you must take much more seriously.
Sleep apnea does not have to be life threatening but because it can be the sign of a sleep apnea condition you will definitely want to get checked out by your doctor. Although sleep apnea is not always life threatening it is still very serious nonetheless and anyone who even thinks they may have it should get in to see their doctor right away. Sleep apnea can have serious results on a person’s health if left untreated and that includes anything from sleep disturbances to high blood pressure and learning problems. Your doctor is not going to mind checking you out and determining whether your snoring is normal or caused by something like sleep apnea.