OSA Disorder Canada
One in five Canadian adults has mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is equivalent to six and a half million people. Women and men both experience OSA, but it is two to three times more common in men than it is in women. OSA is a life-threatening breathing disorder that has been linked to disasters, such as the Alberta train derailment, Hinton, the Three Mile Island accident, Chernobyl, Exxon Valdez and the Union Carbide chemical accident.
OSA has been recognized in medical literature since 1965, and the treatment for severe cases included tracheostomy. Today, modern medicine has discovered ways to safely and comfortably treat OSA with CPAP, which was introduced in the early 1980s. Sleep apnea experts Calgary specialize in helping and treating individuals who are waking each morning feeling tired and run down and who may become out of breath quickly when exerting a limited amount of energy.
Studies show that very few people seek help for sleep apnea; in fact, only 10-percent of individuals with OSA seek professional, life-saving help from a doctor. You may not be aware of the significant health concerns that are associated with OSA, but OSA is a life-threatening illness that shouldn’t be ignored. The symptom of daytime fatigue may be troublesome, but breathing issues while sleeping are often unnoticed by the individual. OSA can be a silent and deadly problem. Breathing problems during the night are often first recognized by a bed partner.
Who is in Danger of OSA?
Both men and women with obstructive sleep apnea are in danger. If your bed partner tells you that you are repeatedly gasping while asleep, or if you are experiencing symptoms of OSA, it is important to get clinically examined, tested, diagnosed and treated by sleep apnea experts Calgary. Signs of OSA may include some of these warnings:
• Snoring
• Daytime fatigue
• Bed partner witnessed cessation of breathing and gasping or choking
• Repeatedly awakening each night
• Shortness of breath
• GERD or heartburn
• Headaches in the morning
• Repeated need to urinate during the night
• Night Sweats
• Reduced libido
• Restless sleep
• Nocturnal chest pain
• Forgetfulness
• Moodiness or depressed
• Difficulty with concentration
• Reduced work productivity
• Reduced activity level or prior exercise routine
Other health factors can increase the risk of experiencing mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea, which may include:
• Narrow airway
• Overweight or obesity
• Enlarged adenoids or tonsils
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Men are more likely to experience OSA
• Family history of OSA
• Smoking
• Asthma
• Chronic nasal infections, allergies or congestion
An increased risk of heart failure is more common in men with OSA than in women. Heart failure may be caused by a combination of low blood oxygen levels and high blood pressure. Heart failure, coronary artery disease, and strokes are risks associated with prolonged, untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea treatment in Calgary offers help for individuals who have a prior OSA diagnosis and have unsuccessfully treated this serious issue, as-well-as people who need an OSA evaluation. Getting a proper assessment, diagnosis and subsequent treatment is a smooth process when you call on sleep apnea treatment in Calgary at Dream Sleep Respiratory.
Your Sleep Apnea Centre Calgary Evaluation
Sleep apnea is typically manageable at home. Your OSA evaluation at the centre is e-managed with a take-home, overnight study that is followed by a visit to the Dream Sleep Respiratory (DSR) clinic with a registered respiratory therapist. You can speak with an OSA expert at a free DSR consultation. Additional screening will be scheduled if it’s deemed necessary.
The problem with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is that common symptoms are often overlooked by the patient because all of the symptoms, such as moodiness, GERD, restlessness and waking numerous times each night, either aren’t all present or go unnoticed. It’s important to remember that the symptoms of OSA can vary from mild to severe. The most common symptom of OSA is daytime sleepiness or fatigue that may go unrecognized by the person when it becomes their normal, everyday experience. Cumulative and gradual symptoms over many years may create an unawareness of the actual problem behind these symptoms, and only an evaluation and proper testing can provide you with the tools needed to regain your health, energy and a more positive outlook on life.
It is very concerning when patients learn that OSA often goes discovered until serious health issues require additional probing, such as stroke, congestive heart failure, obesity, cardiac arrhythmia, and depression. So, don’t delay. If you have symptoms that could point to sleep apnea, call for a free consultation.
The first step towards OSA recovery recognizing your OSA symptoms. Ask your sleeping partner, children or live-in relatives if they have noticed your breathing change while you are sleeping. Are you gasping for air suddenly or snoring loudly? If you are waking yourself up repeatedly, it could be a sign of OSA. If you are getting up to urinate frequently, it could also indicate OSA. If you are having difficulty performing at work due to an inability to concentrate or due to sleepiness, you should request a consultation. A consultation will help you to determine if OSA could be a problem for you or if there is another issue that you are experiencing. Your sleep apnea consultation at DRS will introduce you to viable obstructive sleep apnea treatment options.
What is CPAP Therapy?
CPAP is an obstructive sleep apnea therapy that provides constant positive airway pressure. This treatment is the best choice for the convenient and comfortable treatment of OSA. CPAP has a significantly higher rate of success for mild to severe OSA when compared to corrective surgical procedures or dental appliances.
CPAP applies gentle pressure to the airway with air brought in through the affixed, comfortably designed mask, which relieves soft anatomical muscle tone. This pressure will keep your airway open while you sleep. Improved breathing is achieved with regular use of the CPAP technology, and symptoms will subside, such as fatigue, poor concentration and snoring. Patients typically express becoming unaware of the treatment gradually with use and are thrilled with the results they can achieve, such as improved rest and uninterrupted sleep.
If you think you have OSA, use our online screening tool here.
Contact Info for Sleep Apnea Experts Calgary
Dream Sleep Respiratory Breathing Made Easy is conveniently located in Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Say goodbye to restless nights and breathe easier with CPAP therapy.
Call (587) 317-4110 today to request a FREE CONSULTATION!