Why You Should Never Put Off Sleep Apnea Treatment

Does your partner tell you that your snoring keeps them awake? Perhaps they notice you having a hard time breathing at night. You may have sleep apnea. 

If you have sleep apnea, your airway is blocked, so your breathing stops and starts repeatedly as you struggle to get enough air into your lungs. Sleep apnea isn’t a problem that only affects your sleep. It’s linked to serious health conditions that can cause disability and shorten your life.   

Dr. Nilesh Patel, board-certified otolaryngologist, specializes in treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, call our Midtown, New York, office or book an appointment online today so that we can examine your airway and nasal passages to determine if they’re contributing to sleep apnea. 

Following are four reasons why prompt treatment for sleep apnea is important to your health.

#1: Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease and stroke 

Research shows a link between sleep apnea and heart disease, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. When your airway closes from sleep apnea, your heart has to pump harder, increasing pressure in your blood vessels. 

Statistics tell the story. If you have a serious case of sleep apnea, you have twice the risk of a heart attack and four times the risk for atrial fibrillation compared to those who don’t have it. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation becomes more difficult to treat. Approximately 70% of those admitted to the hospital with coronary artery disease have sleep apnea. 

#2: Sleep apnea increases hypertension risk 

Has your blood pressure been high for some time? Is it difficult to control with medication? Sleep apnea has been linked to hard-to-treat hypertension. Studies show that almost one-third of those suffering from hypertension also have sleep apnea. Hypertension increases your risk of damage to your heart and other organs in your body. 

#3: The link between sleep apnea and diabetes

You may not realize that sleep apnea can raise your blood sugar levels. You have a greater risk of developing diabetes, even if you’re not obese. If you are obese, your risks increase even more. 

#4: The link between sleep apnea and obesity 

Researchers estimate that between 60-90% of patients with sleep apnea are overweight. Being overweight or obese can cause sleep apnea and make it worse. 

If you’re overweight or obese, fat deposits in your neck can block your airway. Abdominal fat can also constrict your chest wall, affecting your lung capacity. The lack of air flow can cause your airway to close.  

Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of serious diseases, creating the conditions for poor health.

Treatment for sleep apnea

If Dr. Patel suspects you have sleep apnea, our practice recommends that you participate in a sleep study. If you have sleep apnea, there are several options for treatment. A major lifestyle factor is your weight. Research shows that losing just 10% of your body weight can improve your sleep apnea significantly. 

Many patients use CPAP machines, which have been improved in recent years. They’re less bulky and noisy, improving patient compliance. 

Surgery is an option when other treatments haven’t worked. Dr. Patel performs septoplasty, turbinate reduction, tonsillectomy, and other procedures if your situation warrants surgery. 

Call the office of Nilesh Patel, MD, or book an appointment through our online portal if you suspect you have sleep apnea and for all of your ear, nose, and throat needs.