Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder identified by the interruption of breathing while resting from 10 to 60 seconds and gasping for breath or grunting or snoring when breathing is returned to. While one may overlook the signs of sleep apnea, the disorder can lead to serious health problems; hence it needs to be correctly attended to by seeing an ENT doctor in Singapore. Here are the three common types of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterised by the tongue and muscular tissues of the throat relaxing to the point that it serves as a blockage for the air passage throughout sleep, potentially triggered by excessive weight. Adults that are considered obese that are past the age of 40s are the ones that are usually affected and prone to this type of sleep disorder. However, it commonly occurs in males more than females.
Central sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea is characterised by a defect that occurs in the brain (hence being called; 'central') being unable to transmit the correct signals to the muscular tissues responsible and initiate breathing. It leads to your muscles being unable to control, which results in breathing 'gaps.' Although central sleep apnea in Singapore rarely has a direct cause of death, it can also lead to other health risks that can be 'fatal'.
Complex sleep apnea
Complex sleep apnea may also occur and is characterised when a person experiences a combination of these mentioned two types of sleep problems. The risk is any age can be prone to complex sleep apnea, including kids and toddlers; hence it's essential to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist or ENT doctor. Premature infants are also more than likely to be affected by sleep apnea because their lung function is impaired due to prematurity.
If you are looking for an ENT doctor at Mount Elizabeth, ENT Surgeons provides professional care and treatment for sleep problems with a certified ENT specialist.
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