Sleep Apnea in Vancouver, BC

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is interrupted while asleep. People with undiagnosed sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly while asleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This is a dangerous sleep disorder because it means that the body and the brain may not get enough oxygen.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the more common of the two forms of sleep apnea. It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breath. This may be caused due to instability in the respiratory control center.

Am I at Risk?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:

Male gender
Being overweight
Over the age of 40
Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
Having large tonsils, large tongue, or small jaw bone
A family history
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Nasal obstruction due to deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea may lead to problems at school or work as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medications or surgery.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Treatments for sleep apnea vary depending on the severity of each patient’s case and the type of apnea involved. Basic treatments may simply be behavioral and include losing weight, stopping smoking, or sleeping on the side rather than the back. If basic treatments fail to work, however, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that it prevents throat blockage. In severe cases, surgery is often the best option.

Dr. Steven Tsoung, located in Vancouver, BC, is a dentist who serves patients from the Vancouver area. Dr. Tsoung specializes in cosmetic dentistry including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, and Invisalign. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!