Sleep apnea is a chronic condition where the airway becomes blocked while you sleep. There are different types of sleep apnea, and many different causes, but they all involve a lack of airflow while you sleep. Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea cases will obviously lead to more serious conditions. It is important to learn where to get a sleep apnea machine, should you need it. Dr. Shukla is Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and can help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, so it is a very common condition. It is important to look out for signs and symptoms. Without a proper diagnosis, you could be at risk for very serious conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. Here are some common sleep apnea symptoms:
- Reduced breathing
- Gasping for air while sleeping
- Chronic loud snoring
Not all of these signs can be determined on your own. If you sleep with a partner, ask them if they’ve noticed any of these indicators. If so, it may be time to start looking for where to get a sleep apnea machine.
There are also symptoms during the day that may point towards sleep apnea:
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Inattentiveness
- Difficulty focusing
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Decreased sexual drive
You may even wake often to urinate during sleep. The most common sufferers of sleep apnea are overweight men exceeding the age of 40. Although these are the most common, sleep apnea can plague anyone regardless of gender or age.
Diagnosis
If you believe that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, then the next step is to get tested. You will first have a physical exam performed to determine if you are at risk. New York sleep specialist Dr. Shukla, can help you with the proper sleep study to determine if you suffer from sleep apnea once the physical examinations are concluded.
The most conclusive test is an overnight study at a sleep center where you are monitored throughout the night. During this test, your oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity, breathing patterns, and body movements will be evaluated. This test is called nocturnal polysomnography. You may first be given an at-home test, but these are much less reliable than full nocturnal polysomnography. The at-home test measures only a few of the indicators, so there is a possibility of missing the diagnosis with this method.
Finally, blood tests and ultrasounds can be done to rule out any other complications. Once the sleep apnea type is diagnosed, you can begin the proper treatment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
In some mild cases, lifestyle changes can mitigate the symptoms. In many of the cases, which are moderate to severe, you will be given what is called a CPAP machine. This stands for continuous positive airway pressure and essentially helps you breathe while you sleep. It achieves this by blowing air into the throat, which will stop the airway from narrowing. For the machine to be most effective, the fit on your face is very important. Because a CPAP machine only works if the proper air pressure is provided to the throat, a loose-fitting machine may not provide the amount of air needed. There are many different shapes and styles, so you may need to do some tests to find the perfect one for you. CPAP machines are also known to make your nose and mouth dry, so find one that includes a humidifier.
The whole point of the machine is to increase your ability to breath while sleeping, which is hard to do when your nose and mouth are extremely dry. There are other machines that can be used. Surgery may also be necessary if your sleep apnea is very severe. However, a CPAP machine is the most common sleep apnea treatment.
Where to Get a Sleep Apnea Machine NYC
Your sleep doctor will be able to help you find the right machine for your specific case. Call Dr. Shukla today if you are concerned you may be suffering from sleep apnea.
