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Understanding Sleep Apnea, Its Causes, and Management

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes abnormal breathing patterns while the patient is sleeping. It is among the most common sleep disorders and affects 22 million people in the country. While the symptoms might make the disorder seem manageable, it can be life-threatening. The relaxed or collapsed muscles of the airway can cause breathing difficulty and might cause choking. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options to deal with the condition.

Causes
Both physical and other health conditions can be causes of sleep apnea in patients. A higher body mass is one of the contributing factors to this condition. Excess amounts of fat in the neck region can be a cause of airway obstruction. The sleep apnea caused by such obstruction is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Alternatively, sleep apnea might also be caused due to endocrine disorders such as acromegaly, PCOS, and hypothyroidism. Acromegaly can swell up the throat and the tongue that obstructs the airway.

Some people might even develop sleep apnea that results from interference in transferring brain signals to the respiratory system. Some causes of sleep apnea are:
Age
Age is a major contributing factor to increased chances of developing both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Anatomical characters
Anatomical features like the size and positioning of a person’s tongue, jaw, tonsils, neck, and tissues surrounding the back of the throat can affect the airflow. People with enlarged adenoids and tonsils or thick necks may have narrow airways. It can make breathing difficult by blocking the airway. All of these might result in the development of obstructive sleep apnea.

High body mass
High body mass is one of the leading factors that can lead to the development of sleep apnea. The excessive fat deposition around the upper airway of the respiratory system presses on the muscles exerting pressure on the airway. The pressure might make it difficult to breathe normally. There have been studies that have shown an increased risk of sleep apnea caused due to rise in body mass.

Sedatives
Sedatives and certain other treatment options help relax the airway muscles and the throat tissue. However, this also increases the chance of developing obstructive or central sleep apnea.

Genetics
Family history is an important contributing factor here. A person with a family history of sleep apnea is at a higher risk of developing the condition than others.

Nasal blockage
Congestion makes it difficult to breathe comfortably. Nasal and airway blockage can further reduce the ability to breathe properly and be a cause of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleeping on the back
Sleeping on the back causes the airway tissues to collapse and may cause blockages. This can cause restlessness, snoring, as well as obstructive sleep apnea.

Health conditions
Some medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure can increase your risk of developing sleep apnea.

Hormonal conditions
Imbalanced thyroid or excessive presence of growth hormone may lead to an increased risk of one being susceptible to developing obstructive sleep apnea. It is because the hormones cause swelling of tissues around the airways and make breathing difficult.

Signs and symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include frequent and loud snoring, reduced breathing, and gasping for air while sleeping. Improper and restless sleep can result in symptoms like impaired motor skills, sleepiness, decreased attention, and daytime fatigue.

Daytime fatigue
Increased daytime fatigue is a common sign of sleep apnea in most cases. A person with sleep apnea might not even be aware that their fatigue might result from sleep apnea. This is a cause of concern as the quality of sleep of the patient is compromised and can also be accompanied by low energy levels, irritability, and drowsiness.

Loud snoring
Loud snoring is one of the primary and commonly occurring signs of sleep apnea. This is because the back of the tongue is resting over the soft palate of the throat resulting in the blockage of the airway. This blocked airway can cause loud noises when the person is breathing. The snoring is enhanced when the patient sleeps on their back, and the airway tissue collapses.

Hypertension
The blockage of the airways can cause a lack of oxygen in the body. Since the lung lacks proper oxygen supply, it is also insufficient in the blood. The drop in oxygen levels in the body can cause cardiovascular diseases. One of the problems with decreased oxygen supply is high blood pressure. Reduced air and oxygen supply can also cause the patient to abruptly awaken during the night because of gasping or choking.

Night sweats
A prevalent symptom of sleep apnea, generally seen in children, is sweating at night. Research suggests sleep apnea could result in increased cortisol levels or other stress hormones in the body. The body produces excessive cortisol to be able to breathe normally. This rise in cortisol can cause night sweats.

Treatment
Sleep apnea treatment is primarily aimed at keeping the airway open and maintaining proper airflow. However, the type of treatment the doctor recommends highly depends on the severity of the patient’s condition. Some common options for treatment include:

Breathing devices
A preferred type of treatment involves the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP devices. It is commonly used for sleep apnea treatment. The device comes with a mouth mask that covers the mouth and the nose that supplies oxygen to the patient. The mask is connected to the motor by way of a tube that blows air into the mask preventing abnormal or obstructed breathing.

Implants
Patients that have chronic sleep apnea are suggested to have an implant. The treatment involves a minor surgical procedure that lets doctors place an implant device in the body. The device is approved by the FDA and can help regularize breathing. It can detect abnormalities in breathing patterns and stimulate the airways when the patient is sleeping.

Nerve stimulators are also a viable option to treat sleep apnea. The simulator is installed in the hypoglossal nerve that helps control tongue movement.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Psoriatic Arthritis – Progression and Management

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects individuals with psoriasis. It advances in stages and can impact people differently. For instance, some experience a gradual worsening of symptoms, while others notice the rapid development of severe discomfort. The condition usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years. Although psoriatic arthritis does not have a cure, patients may experience periods of remission where their symptoms improve significantly. Early stages of psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis usually begins after a person has had psoriasis for a while. Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by scaly, itchy, and red skin flare-ups. In the early stages of psoriatic arthritis, one may experience the following: Pain and swelling Pain and swelling may develop in smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes. Some people also report swelling in larger joints, such as the knees and ankles. The swelling is called dactylitis when it affects the whole finger or toe. The extent of the pain and swelling may differ from person to person. Changes in the nails According to statistics, more than 80% of patients with this condition develop nail changes. These changes are often considered early signs of joint disease. In some cases, this symptom may occur several years before the development of psoriatic arthritis. Some changes patients notice include the development of shallow ridges on the nail surface, small indentions on the nail bed surface, line-shaped clots on the nail, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Joint problems Those suffering from psoriasis may also complain of joint problems, such as reduced range of motion, inflammation of the tendons or ligaments in the affected area, and swelling. In rare cases, patients may also experience spine inflammation, leading to increased discomfort and spinal pain. These symptoms make it hard for one to carry on day-to-day tasks. The symptoms sometimes extend beyond joints and nails in the early psoriatic arthritis stages. Common examples include fatigue, skin rash, or conjunctivitis. With such varying symptoms, diagnosing the condition early is imperative to manage the symptoms and flare-ups more efficiently. Progression of psoriatic arthritis The condition's progression may vary from one person to another. In some cases, it may affect the same joints on both sides of the body, increasing the patient's discomfort. Hence, patients are suggested to seek the advice of a healthcare professional at the earliest. As the condition progresses, one may experience periodic flare-ups, which, if left untreated, may lead to permanent bone damage. This happens due to prolonged inflammation of the bones, causing them to erode. Furthermore, the joint space may become narrow, affecting the ability to move. However, in rare cases, patients have experienced complete remission of the condition without treatment. Later stages of psoriatic arthritis While the disorder may progress differently in each patient, the worsening of the symptoms usually indicates the progression of the disease and the need for more aggressive treatment. Here are some symptoms one should keep an eye out for as they signify the problem could be worsening: Constant flares A one-off flare may not appear serious; it has become more acceptable during periods of remission. However, flare-ups every couple of months could mean the condition has progressed to the later stages. Constant flares might also lead to other complications, like joint damage. A significant loss in joint mobility This is another indicator of the condition's gradual worsening. A patient who could flex their wrist 60 degrees a couple of years ago may now begin to lose 50 percent or more of that range of motion. This might interfere with their inability to carry out day-to-day activities. Decreased joint mobility can also worsen other discomforts like stiffness, pain, and the likelihood of permanent bone changes. Fused spine People may suffer damage to the spine in the later psoriatic arthritis stages. Some develop axial spondyloarthritis of psoriasis, a condition where the spinal joints become inflamed, eventually causing their fusion. It leads to decreased flexibility and chronic pain in the spine and affected areas. Besides the above, patients may experience increased fatigue. Statistics confirm that about 50 percent with psoriatic arthritis report moderate-to-severe fatigue levels, and nearly 30 percent have severe fatigue. Moreover, the combination of symptoms like fatigue, psoriasis symptoms, joint pain, and swelling may lead to isolation in a few people, trigger high levels of depression, and make it hard to maintain an active social life. Ways to manage or slow down psoriatic arthritis progression While the condition has no cure and one cannot reverse its severity, there are ways to manage the ailment and slow down its progression. However, these methods may work considerably better when started earlier. Patients can manage the condition and its accompanying symptoms using the following remedies: Exercise Additional stress on the joints may lead to an increased level of discomfort. Hence, patients are asked to practice low-impact exercises like biking and swimming to improve overall health, increase their range of motion, and strengthen their muscles. Yoga is also beneficial in improving flexibility. Hot and cold therapy Applying a heating pad may help tense muscles relax, reducing joint strain. On the other hand, placing an ice pack on the affected area can reduce swelling and pain. This remedy must be practiced correctly and regularly for the best results. The best way to deal withÂ psoriatic arthritis is to prevent it in the first place. Those withÂ psoriasis should take the necessary preventive measures as they are moreÂ susceptible to this kind of arthritis. Some other risk factors are scalp psoriasis, psoriasis on fingernails, a family history of psoriatic arthritis, and being between 30 and 50 years. Individuals with these risk factors should go for regular screenings to diagnose the problem at the earliest.