Expert Care at Ohri Hospital, Amritsar
Sleep is essential for good health—but for many, sleep apnea disrupts this vital process, affecting both the heart and lungs. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious complications.
At Ohri Hospital, Amritsar, we specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea and related respiratory issues, helping patients improve their quality of life safely and effectively.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night, often without the patient realizing it.
Common Types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Caused by blockage of the airway, often due to relaxed throat muscles.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both OSA and CSA.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many patients may not realize they have sleep apnea. Common signs include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
If you notice these symptoms, a sleep evaluation at Ohri Hospital is highly recommended.
How Sleep Apnea Affects the Heart
Sleep apnea can put significant stress on the heart and circulatory system:
- High Blood Pressure: Repeated drops in oxygen levels can raise blood pressure.
- Increased Risk of Heart Attack: Oxygen deprivation strains the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats are more common in patients with untreated sleep apnea.
- Heart Failure: Chronic sleep apnea can weaken the heart over time.
Early detection and treatment of sleep apnea can prevent serious cardiovascular complications.
Impact on the Lungs
Sleep apnea affects the lungs in multiple ways:
- Reduced Oxygen Supply: Interrupted breathing lowers oxygen levels, putting strain on lung function.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs may develop over time.
- Worsening Respiratory Conditions: Sleep apnea can aggravate asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.
At Ohri Hospital, Amritsar, we offer advanced respiratory assessments to evaluate lung function in sleep apnea patients.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of sleep apnea:
- Obesity and overweight
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Age (more common in middle-aged and older adults)
- Smoking or alcohol consumption
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
Diagnosis and Treatment at Ohri Hospital
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through sleep studies and respiratory evaluations. Treatment options include:
- CPAP Therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure keeps the airway open during sleep.
- Oral Appliances: Dental devices that prevent airway collapse.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, avoiding alcohol, and proper sleep hygiene.
- Surgery (in severe cases): Corrects airway obstructions or anatomical issues.
Our expert chest and lung specialists provide personalized treatment plans to manage sleep apnea safely and improve overall health.
Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Sleep on your side instead of your back
- Avoid alcohol or sedatives before bedtime
- Treat nasal congestion and allergies
- Follow prescribed therapy consistently
These simple measures, combined with professional care, can significantly reduce complications from sleep apnea.
Final Thoughts
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it’s a serious condition that can impact your heart and lung health. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
At Ohri Hospital, Amritsar, we provide advanced care for sleep apnea and respiratory disorders, helping patients breathe easier, sleep better, and live healthier lives.
FAQ
Q1. What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affecting oxygen supply and overall health.
Q2. How does sleep apnea affect the heart?
Sleep apnea increases blood pressure, risk of heart attack, arrhythmias, and can lead to heart failure over time.
Q3. Can sleep apnea impact lung health?
Yes, it reduces oxygen levels, strains lung function, can worsen asthma or COPD, and may cause pulmonary hypertension.
Q4. What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?
Symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and episodes of gasping or choking at night.
Q5. Who is at risk of developing sleep apnea?
Risk factors include obesity, age, family history, enlarged tonsils, smoking or alcohol use, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Q6. How is sleep apnea diagnosed at Ohri Hospital, Amritsar?
Through sleep studies, respiratory evaluations, and sometimes imaging tests, our specialists assess airway obstruction and oxygen levels during sleep.
Q7. What treatments are available for sleep apnea?
Treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle modifications, and surgery in severe cases, all personalized to the patient’s needs.
Q8. Can lifestyle changes improve sleep apnea?
Yes. Maintaining healthy weight, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and proper management of allergies can significantly reduce symptoms.
