Quick Guide: Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
May 3, 2016
First, it is important to understand that just because you have one of the following factors does not inherently mean that you automatically have sleep apnea. It just means that you need to be mindful of the condition and see a skilled dentist right away at the first sign of trouble.
Being Overweight
Individuals who are obese or even just a little overweight are up to four times more likely to develop sleep apnea. The reason for this is that there tends to be more fat around the neck, which obstructs the upper airway. Pay attention to neck circumference. Women should have a neck circumference less than 15 inches while men should have one less than 17 inches. Anything more than that is another risk factor for sleep apnea.
Being a Smoker
Smoking tobacco greatly increases your chances of developing a variety of health problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is nearly three times as likely to occur in smokers as non-smokers. This happens because smoking increases fluid retention and risk of inflammation in the airways. To reduce your chances, you should quit smoking immediately.
Additional Risk Factors
There are plenty of other factors that increase your chances of having sleep apnea in Orlando, FL, and they include:
- Being a male
- Being middle-aged or an older adult
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Being born with enlarged tonsils or a narrow throat
- Having chronic nasal congestion
- Using tranquilizers, sedatives or alcohol frequently
- Experiencing a stroke in the past
- Using opioid medications
Call Us as Soon as You Notice Symptoms
Again, sleep apnea can occur in anyone, including children and otherwise very healthy people. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, you need to contact a professional dentist right away for treatment. Dr. John Cervenka has been practicing dentistry around Florida for years, so give our office a call at 407-248-0100.