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A 18-year-old female asked:
what is meant by sleep apnea? and the symptoms?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Russell Lieblick answered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 21 years experience
Reduced breathing: Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing while you are asleep. This results in waking up at night many times over and/or having reduced blood oxygen levels. The primary symptom is sleepiness called "excessive daytime somnolence." you can take a simple questionairre here: http://www.Umm.Edu/sleep/epworth_sleep.Htm
if you believe that you have sleep apnea, see a sleep specialist right away.
5306 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. David Drewitz answered
Gastroenterology 27 years experience
Stop breathing...: Sleep apnea refers to the cessation of breathing during sleep. When this happens oxygen saturation in the blood goes down and eventually breathing resumes. This results in interrupted sleep and feeling tired throughout the day. More concerning however is the increased risk of pulmonary hypertension which can be fatal. Obesity is a risk factor for this potentially lethal disorder.
5306 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 30-year-old member asked:
What causes you to get sleep apnea?
3 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Debra Carter-Miller answered
Family Medicine 43 years experience
Sleep Apnea: 2 types of sleep apnea exist:obstructive and central. Obstructive type more common, is related to weight, crowded throat and neck size. Snoring is common, but can be difficult to recognize. Heart, bp, lung, sleep, brain..Many problems can occur. But, 10% decrease in weight can produce 50% decrease in symptoms.Fatigue, restless legs and difficult weight loss are common, also. Great treatments exist.
6308 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 35-year-old member asked:
Has there been any link found between sleep apnea and seizures?
4 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Patrick Melder answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 27 years experience
Yes: Apnea can increase the rate of seizure activity.
6288 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 32-year-old member asked:
What are the factors that contribute to sleep apnea?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Patrick Melder answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 27 years experience
Obesity is number 1: Obesity is the number 1 risk factor. A BMI over 30 increases risk. Male gender. Increasing age. Snoring with excessive sleepiness during the day.
6288 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can sleep apnea become a chronic condition?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in

Dr. Patrick Melder answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 27 years experience
Yes: By definition sleep apnea is a chronic medical condition. The only mechanism by which it "goes away" is with CPAP (used nightly), surgery, (mouth guard used nightly) and/or weight loss.
6302 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 40-year-old member asked:
What are sleep apnea doctors called?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in

Dr. Patrick Melder answered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 27 years experience
MDs: Several specialist take care of sleep apnea 1) pulmonary specialists 2) ear, nose, and throat specialist 3) neurologists and several others.
6302 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. H. Michael Lambert commented
Retinal Surgery 44 years experience
Look for a sleep apnea clinic. Many cities have specialists in this disorder with diagnostic facilities available.
Dec 6, 2014
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Last updated Jun 6, 2013
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