October 2022 - Laser Refractive Surgery

Use these tips when dealing with N95 masks

Posted on October 24, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

The following advice will be helpful if you plan to wear N95 masks. To learn more, read the paragraphs that follow.

Be on the lookout for fakes

Unfortunately, it is a fact that fake masks are easily accessible. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs to watch out for when determining if N95 masks could be fake.

For the purpose of assisting doctors in spotting fake respirators, the AMA collaborated with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The easiest method to be sure you obtain a genuine mask is to buy it straight from a NIOSH-approved manufacturer.

Attempt to unwind while wearing N95 masks

The major issue with breathing, according to Dr. Seija, is that it may cause anxiety or a feeling of suffocation. And for those who are unfamiliar with it, it is a very normal response. But as we go on the path where this becomes the new normal, how well a respirator fit is the most crucial factor to take into account. Do you find it comfortable? Dr. Seija stated as he posed wearing a mask that made his ears protrude. “This is too little and too tight for me.” I can use this if necessary, but it won’t fit me well and will have an impact on my ability to breathe.

Dr. Edje advised patients to “attempt to be calm and breathe as naturally as possible” while wearing N95 masks and stressed the need to “make sure it fits tightly yet does not create holes.”

Dr. Seija said, “I often advise patients that wearing N95 masks should be done in stages. If you’re not at ease, start by taking a stroll around your home or another place where you feel secure and at ease.

A better seal reduces the chance of glasses fog

Most people’s glasses would get hazy when they began wearing masks at the beginning of the epidemic, according to Dr. Seija. “The fog is irritating, but it also shows that your seal has to be improved.

What you can do, he said, is put on your mask first while taking your glasses off. Then you’ll be OK if you apply your seal firmly on your nose and cheeks.

Dr. Edje said that it is essential to “wear glasses over the mask” and that cleaning the glasses in soapy water may lessen water tension and reduce fogging in order to reduce the possibility of this occurring.

An inappropriate fit might cause irritation

There may sometimes be facial discomfort while using a mask. Other times, folks may have headaches if the mask is too tight.

Dr. Seija said that “there are a few reasons why this occurs, but the main one is that you’re not suited with the correct mask,” adding that “if I wore a little mask, I would pass out.”

“We really advise that you make sure that you have your seal, particularly with the N95 masks. Without a perfect seal, you run the danger of contracting COVID and maybe spreading it, he said. And you’ll feel a little constricted, but you have to decide how much you can stand. Click here to read more about Use these tips to make your N95 masks fit better.

When taking off KN95s, touch the ear loops

Dr. Edje advised just touching the ear loops or ties while taking off a worn mask. You should “not be infected with virus particles from the outside of the respirator” by doing this, it is said.

Also, remember that the respirator must be worn to protect your mouth and nose, and “do not keep the respirator tucked under your chin for any reason,” she said.

Cloth masks are preferable to none at all

Dr. Seija said, “We also have to acknowledge that wearing an N95 is not practical for everyone. “A surgical mask or cotton mask is more sustainable for some folks; that is all they have.”

And that’s when other strategies like double masking—wearing a fabric mask over a surgical mask—come into play, he said. Because wearing any kind of mask, whether alone or in combination, is preferable to wearing none.

Dr. Edje said, “A multilayered, densely woven fabric mask—such as cotton—is better than no mask,” and that N95 masks provide the greatest protection against infection. He also noted that since the Omicron variant’s introduction, recommendations have changed

Keep in mind, she said, that if someone is using a fabric mask, “cotton masks should be cleaned regularly and properly dried.”

Masks continue to be one of the greatest methods to protect yourself and others from infection, despite the fact that our strategy for combating the COVID-19 pandemic has altered significantly over the last two years. However, it is essential that you wear the correct one now since the extremely infectious Omicron version is the one that predominates in the US. Because of this, epidemiologists advise switching to an N95, KN95, or KF94 instead of wearing a bandana or a leopard-print cotton mask.

If you haven’t used one of these extremely protective masks before, you probably have a lot of concerns about how to choose a decent one, when to wear one, if you can reuse it, and most importantly, when to throw one away. We also asked such questions. We now also have solutions.

Reasons to upgrade to N95 masks

Omicron spreads faster than its forerunners, as we have said. The precise number is yet unknown, but according to Danish research, the variety may be up to 3.7 times more contagious than the Delta, which is already quite contagious.

Although evidence shows the virus has developed the potential to spread regardless of a person’s vaccination status, researchers aren’t yet clear why.

Omicron’s contagiousness is significant because it may indicate that infected individuals are dispersing more of the virus into the environment each time they breathe or speak, improving its chances of catching a new host. A quicker spread implies more instances and more opportunities for COVID to infect someone whose body can’t manage it, despite evidence that Omicron cases are milder than those brought on by Delta and other variations and are linked to lower rates of hospitalization and severe disease.

Naturally, until we improve, that is. N95 masks and other more advanced face protection are useful in this situation. You can also read about Face mask and respirator test reports by visiting https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/facemask-respirator-tests

Use these tips to make your N95 masks fit better

Posted on October 24, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

Given the number of professionals who advise them as providing excellent protection against omicron, N95 masks are a popular item right now. And while though many epidemiologists and public health professionals have long urged individuals to use respirator N95 masks, it wasn’t until recently that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed its recommendations on N95 masks: Last Monday, the organization amended the website to indicate that these respirators are the recommended option (and that they are not in short supply, as they were earlier in the pandemic).

The CDC states that although all N95 masks and respirators provide some amount of protection, correctly fitting respirators offer the maximum level. A respirator may provide a greater degree of protection than a cloth or procedural mask if worn correctly the whole time it is in use and has superior filtration.

You’ll be happy to hear that the CDC also provided further information for the general public on selecting the best N95 and KN95 masks—as well as useful tips for enhancing the fit of their N95 masks Australia—given the agency’s focus on a good fit. Here are a few of the best advice.

N95 and KN95 respirator mask recommendations

1. Verify that you have the genuine article

Genuine N95s and KN95s will fit and perform better, first and foremost. According to SELF, there have been problems with fake N95 masks being sold to customers and even hospitals. Consumers may get a plethora of useful information on this topic at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the agency that certifies respirators. NIOSH maintains a list of authorized N95 producers, a list of imitation N95 masks, instructions on how to tell whether a mask is real (such as searching for the “NIOSH” stamp and an approval TC number), and telltale indicators of fakes (such as misspellings or a lack of markings). More information on selecting respirators and where to acquire them may be found here. You can read more about Using these tips when dealing with N95 masks by visiting here http://vaccinationdebate.net/use-these-tips-when-dealing-with-n95-masks/

2. Select the proper mask

Since not all respirators fit the same, the CDC advises choosing one that does and that seals properly. NIOSH advises that you look for respirator N95 masks that are the same brand, model, and size, if available if you have ever used one that fits you well (consider there being no gaps). If not, you may need to try out a few different goods before deciding which one is the greatest fit.

3. Check to see if anything is blocking the path

NIOSH suggests being mindful of facial hair, hair, glasses, and jewelry that may possibly affect where your respirator is placed and how well it fits. (For example, eliminating bulky earrings or nose piercings, tying back your hair, shaving your beard, putting on your spectacles after the mask, etc.) According to the CDC, facial hair in particular might lead to air gaps while using respirators.

4. Comply with the guidelines

You don’t want to toss this particular set of instructions away right away! You may use the mask correctly by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions that were included with it. For several NIOSH-approved devices, the CDC has provided the manufacturer’s instructions in case you did throw away the instructions.

5. Apply it correctly

Although you should adhere to the directions that come with your specific mask, this is the overall concept: Your chin and nose should first be covered by the respirator. The lower strap (if it has two straps) should be fastened around the neck, just below the ear, after pulling the top strap over your head and positioning it at the top rear of your head. Finally, mold the metal nose clip on your mask, if it has one, to the sides of your nose by pressing downward on it with your fingers. Check out the NIOSH visual instructions and video for help putting on and ensuring the fit of your respirator.

7. Verify the seal

This is crucial: According to the CDC, in order for a respirator mask to be effective, it must tightly seal to the user’s face. Genuine N95 masks are so called because, when worn correctly, they remove at least 95% of airborne particles.

NIOSH offers instructions for inspecting your respirator’s seal (as well as helpful graphics). First, rapidly inhale while placing both hands over the center of the respirator. When you do this, the respirator should adhere firmly to your face. After that, cover the respirator with both hands, including the sides, and exhale to check for air leaks in your hands. You may reposition the nosepiece so that it is flush against your face if the leak is around the region of the nose. Adjust the straps to narrow the gap if the leak is near the edges, then recheck the seal. If necessary, repeat.

Advice for using textile and surgical masks

N95 masks for respirators provide the best protection. However, any mask is better than none at all. If you presently only have access to surgical or cotton masks (ideally multilayered ones), there are still methods to make them more comfortable. By reducing covering gaps where air particles may seep in or out, the objective is still to produce a secure fit. Click here to read about Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Face masks: How they protect you and when to use them.

1. Inhale and exhale to verify the fit

Specifically focusing on any airflow behind your eyes or on the sides of your face, the CDC advises cupping your hands around the mask’s outer borders to check for gaps. By taking a few breaths, you may check the mask’s safety. According to the CDC, a mask is properly fitted if, when you inhale, warm air enters through the front and you can maybe see the mask being slightly pushed in and out with each breath.

2. Use a brace or mask fitter

Using a mask fitter or brace, which is placed over a disposable or cloth mask to reduce any gaps at the edges, is another option to increase fit.

3. Change the nasal piece

Try to use disposable N95 masks with nose wire, and a pliable metal strip around the top advises the CDC. To make the wire fit more snugly over your nose, you may shape it.

4. A two-mask

Additionally, there is always the tried-and-true double masking method, which involves wearing a disposable mask over a well-fitted fabric mask. (According to the CDC, don’t bother using two surgical N95 masks—it won’t make the fit better.)

How Effective Is CBD Oil for Allergies?

Posted on October 23, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

If you suffer from seasonal allergies as more than 4.6 million Australian people do. Negative effects, such as sleepiness, are common with most allergy treatments. The use of natural treatments for allergies has been on the rise in recent years. Many people are now thinking about trying CBD as an alternative.

Is CBD oil use a real method of care? or merely a passing trend? This article, Chronic Therapy will examine the research behind using CBD oil for allergy relief.

What Exactly Are Seasonal Allergies?

According to a report, a high percentage of Australian who has allergy suffer from pollen allergies during the summer. It’s no exaggeration to say that pollen allergies are among the most frequent sorts of respiratory issues people face. Even though the symptoms of pollen allergies tend to be at their worst in the spring, people might really suffer from them all year long.

It’s possible that some people will have a far more severe reaction to a plant than others. For instance, when grass pollen is discharged, it might trigger severe reactions in those who are sensitive to it. If you move to a new place, you can find that your allergies start earlier or later than usual. Living in an area where the plants are green all year round might be highly influential for people who are allergic to pollen.

How You Can Figure Out What It Is That You’re Sensitive To?

To know what you are allergic to, you should see an allergy doctor, who will construct some tests and diagnoses to determine what you might be too sensitive to. You might also be able to know by the unpleasant reactions you notice in your body when you are exposed to certain conditions, or when you eat certain foods. The unpleasant feelings you have in such cases should be a caution for you, then you can further confirm with an allergy doctor.

It can be a terrifying episode for some people during their allergic reaction, hence, being able to find a remedy is always a huge relief. To have the possibility of CBD oil use to provide even minimal alleviation would be very appealing to many people. You can read more about Medical cannabis products that are ruling the world by visiting http://vaccinationdebate.net/medical-cannabis-products-that-are-ruling-the-world/

Due to the abundance of airborne pollen, there is not much that can be done to protect against pollen-related allergic reactions. Avoiding grass, plants, and trees totally is futile because they are everywhere. Locating a therapy regimen that reduces the frequency and intensity of your symptoms is your best bet.

To know more about where to buy CBD oil in Australia and how best it can work for you, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.

In What Ways Have Conventional Medications Been Used to Treat Allergies?

If you suffer from allergies of any kind, you should seek out a treatment plan that will allow you to minimize the impact your allergies have on your daily life. Allergy sufferers have been choosing from a number of treatments, both over-the-counter or via prescription. You can get to a point where your seasonal allergy is largely managed by using a combination of antihistamines, nasal spray, and even persistent allergy shot injections. However, it must be stressed that all of these treatments have potential drawbacks, which may include but are not limited to the following: drowsiness, confusion, nausea, and blurred vision.

Let’s say you need to take an allergy tablet every morning to control your symptoms, but it makes you sleepy. This might mean that you have to devote your entire day to fighting sleep. If you’re attempting to get some work done, this may be a major distraction. Depending on the duties at hand, it might even be downright risky.

That’s why a growing number of people are looking to CBD and other natural remedies to alleviate their seasonal allergy symptoms.

Back to The Question: Can CBD Oil Help with Allergies?

As such, is CBD oil a good option for treating allergies? CBD’s popularity has risen recently because of its purported ability to improve health in several ways. Cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to be a game-changer for allergy sufferers, despite the fact that there is currently a paucity of study on the topic. In a nutshell, the characteristics of CBD are as follows:

Characteristics that reduce pain
The presence of antimicrobial properties
Advantages in reducing inflammation
Having antioxidation properties

Research from 2005 suggests that CBD oil may have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects in the respiratory system. So, it has the potential to work as a natural antihistamine. Inflammation in the throat, mouth, and nose are only some of the symptoms that can be helped by anti-inflammatory drugs. CBD’s anti-inflammatory characteristics make it a strong candidate for alleviating these symptoms.

CBD has recently been shown to help lower airway inflammation in experimental allergic asthma. Environmental allergens, such as pollen, are a common cause of asthma attacks. This research demonstrated that CBD has powerful immunomodulatory effects. CBD therapy reduced airway hyper-responsiveness in mice in a study. Because of this, their allergic responses were less likely to cause a closure of their airways.

Although these trials show promise, CBD should not be used in place of conventional asthma medicine. Talk to a specialist at Chronic Therapy about adding CBD to your current treatment plan if you’re taking many drugs for severe allergies and/or asthma.

CBD Oil for Allergies: Dosage Instructions

If you suffer from seasonal allergies and would want to use CBD, you have a few alternatives. CBD tincture oils are the most popular delivery method. This makes it simple to measure out a specific amount of oil for oral ingestion or for incorporation into other foods and drinks. Sublingual administration of CBD oil is the most efficient method of administration. Under-the-tongue use of CBD oil allows for rapid absorption through the capillaries without first having to transit through the stomach and digestive system. The recommended dosage for CBD oil is half to one full dropper under the tongue, held for at least 30 seconds, and then swallowed.

Fast relief from allergy symptoms is crucial for managing the condition. Sublingual CBD oil use may show to be a great, holistic, and natural option for maintaining optimal well-being despite overwhelming challenges.

The Existence of Allergies Is Not Cataclysmically.

More study is needed to say for sure if your condition can be adequately controlled with CBD, just like there are many problems CBD oil may help with. While preliminary research suggests that CBD anti-inflammatory’s qualities may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with seasonal allergies, more extensive clinical trials in humans are required to draw firm conclusions.

Cannabidiol (CBD) appears to have the potential to be a useful addition to current allergy treatment because of its intrinsic qualities, which may help alleviate some of the symptoms that would otherwise cause chaos and agony for allergy patients. However, it is crucial to consult with a physician before including CBD into your daily routine, since some drugs may no longer function as intended if CBD is also included.

To know more about where to buy CBD oil in Australia and other CBD oil benefits, you should book a consultation session with a professional from Chronic Therapy today.

Medical cannabis products that are ruling the world

Posted on October 23, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

I laughed when I heard people saying they have nothing to do with marijuana. Of course, it is OK to have that decision since cannabis is illegal in some parts of the world. However, I want to ask if you believe cannabis is medicinal. So, if you think that marijuana is therapeutic, you don’t need to write it off entirely in your mind. Why? You’ll be shocked the day you need a product containing marijuana for your health condition.

However, I want you to know that people are consuming cannabis one way or the other. Do you know some products contain cannabis in your house? Of course, it is possible. You may not know you have them.

Before I move further, I would like to tell you that you need to embrace the good part of cannabis and stand against any act that can cause its side effect. I believe that is what we all need to do. We don’t need to deceive ourselves and act as if we are not consuming products that contain medical marijuana. I want to tell you that there are beautiful cannabis products that one even needs to use. Honestly, I am not talking about the ones you can use for medical conditions. Medical personnel must prescribe cannabis drugs for your health condition.

Hence, I need to create a piece of background knowledge. You might gain one or two things. It is essential to define medical cannabis before we proceed. However, you need to pay attention and follow me. Are you ready for the ride? Let’s ride!

What is medical cannabis?

Cannabis itself is a medical plant that can be used to treat some medical conditions. It has a seed called Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis contains two major components that make it fit for medical conditions. So, those components are cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. And, of course, tetrahydrocannabinol is the one that makes people feel elated or high. Click here to read more about How Effective Is CBD Oil for Allergies?

Hence, medical cannabis can be defined as medical marijuana used to treat medical conditions. There are several medical conditions that one can cure or treat with medical cannabis. For instance, medical cannabis is a perfect plant to relieve people from chronic pain and anxiety. Also, if you’re depressed and you find it so hard to sleep, medical cannabis can be of help. Research also shows that cannabis can be used to treat loss of appetite.

If you suddenly lose your appetite, you can take a pill of a product can contain cannabis, and your urge for food will increase. In fact, do you know that medical cannabis can be used to solve some types of epilepsy? Of course, it can.

However, despite all the good things we’ve discussed, marijuana is not an avenue for you to start looking for marijuana or cannabis. It is essential to note that the instruction to use medical cannabis should come from medical personnel. That is why some countries restrict cannabis.

What are medical cannabis products you need to know?

Cannabis oil

Have you heard about cannabis oil? Several products contain cannabidiol oil. And these products will give you desired effects. Of course, one needs to know that cannabis oil can be taken by itself in several forms. That versatility has made cannabis oil to be the most used and the most sought-after marijuana product for those that are looking for legal use. Cannabis oil has low traces of tetrahydrocannabinol. With that said, one cannot feel high if one uses it. I need to talk about this so that you won’t be scared when you see cannabis oil. You can’t use it and feel high.

Cannabis beauty and skin care products

This cannabis product will make you look good. If you are looking forward to using skin care products that will set you apart from your contemporaries, you must embrace cannabis beauty and skin care products. Honestly, you need to know more about this product. In fact, some people are already using this product, and they don’t know. Some of the companies that are in charge of these products will not put cannabis on the product. Why? There’s an ideology about cannabis that can spoil their market. Therefore, one might be consuming one of these products already, and one might not know.

Cannabis beverages

Although cannabis beverages are not yet widespread, the drinks contain tetrahydrocannabinol. So, one cannot feel high after consuming cannabis beverages. This medical marijuana is medicinal. So, don’t stay back to embrace it when it comes out. Remember, I am talking about medical cannabis products that won’t make you feel euphoria.

Cannabis chocolate

Have you heard about cannabis chocolate? Since everyone are scared of even embracing the excellent part of marijuana, some experts have to take some aspect of cannabis that is harmless to create something unique. Some chocolates are created from cannabis. Remember, I have been saying something about THC. So, anything derived from tetrahydrocannabinol cannot make you high. Isn’t that lovely? Only those who check the ingredients used in things they consume can see that there’s a part of marijuana they are consuming. Kiva and Defonce are prominent makers of cannabis chocolate. You can search online to know more about them.

Cannabis capsules

Cannabis capsules are marijuana in the form of pills. They are used for medical conditions like chronic pain, anxiety and appetite loss. Of course, this capsule must be prescribed by medical personnel before one can consume them. There are some out there, and many will still come out. Pills are often most popular for cannabidiol usage. And no one can argue that people are using medical cannabis drugs and it is working for them. So, it’s real.

On a final note

Dear reader, I hope you’ve seen something inspiring and educative here. Do you now believe that marijuana has its benefits? And, of course, people need to rise and see beyond the negative side of cannabis. Finally, I am ready to provide answers to questions ruling your mind on this topic. Please share your question with me if you have any.

The risks of uncontrolled sleep apnea

Posted on October 10, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

A disorder known as sleep apnea occurs when there are recurring pauses in breathing while a person is sleeping. Your body will shake you awake so that it can get you to start breathing again if this occurs. Because of the many disruptions to your sleep, you are unable to get quality rest, and as a result, you wake up feeling more weary than usual.

However, sleep apnea’s effects extend well beyond just making you feel drowsy. When it goes untreated, it may increase a person’s chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term health issues. Learn more about effects of sleep apnea.

During the course of the night, if your airway gets obstructed or collapses, you will have sleep apnea. It’s possible that as your breathing resumes, you’ll let out a piercing snort that will jolt you and anybody you share your bed with awake.

Sleep apnea has been connected to a number of different medical issues, including obesity and high blood pressure. These circumstances, when combined with a lack of sleep, may be detrimental to a wide variety of bodily functions and systems.

Related: How to Prevent Sleep Apnea

Mechanical breathing apparatus

Because it deprives your body of oxygen while you sleep, sleep apnea may make asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms much more severe (COPD). If you exercise more than normal, you can notice that it is harder to catch your breath or that it is more difficult to do the exercise.

Endocrine system

Insulin resistance is a disease in which the cells do not react as effectively to the hormone insulin. People who have sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. If your cells aren’t able to take up insulin as effectively as they should be, your blood sugar level will increase, which puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

A cluster of heart disease risk factors known as metabolic syndrome has been linked to sleep apnea. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, and a larger-than-normal waist circumference. Sleep apnea is one of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Digestive system

If you suffer from sleep apnea, you have an increased risk of developing fatty liver disease, liver scarring, and liver enzyme levels that are much higher than usual.

Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be made worse by obstructive sleep apnea, which can make it even more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

The cardiovascular and circulatory systems respectively

Obesity and high blood pressure are also risk factors for sleep apnea, and both of these factors put additional burden on your heart. If you have apnea, you have a greater chance of having an irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, which may raise the likelihood that you will have a stroke. People who have sleep apnea also have an increased risk of developing heart failure.

Nervous system

Central sleep apnea is one of the subtypes of sleep apnea, and it is characterized by a disturbance in the signals that are sent to and from the brain to facilitate breathing. This particular kind of sleep apnea has also been linked to neurological symptoms such as tingling and numbness.

Biological process of reproduction

Your urge to have sexual activity may decrease if you suffer from sleep apnea. It may lead to erectile dysfunction in males and may damage a couple’s capacity to conceive children if they are male.

Various other systems

Other typical symptoms of sleep apnea include: morning dry mouth or sore throat, headache, difficulty focusing, irritability, and difficulty paying attention throughout the daytime.

Sleep apnea, cardiovascular risk and metabolism

According to Jun, a number of studies have shown a connection between sleep apnea and health issues such as type 2 diabetes, strokes, and heart attacks, as well as a decreased lifespan. Why is there a relationship here? For one reason, obesity is very frequent among those who have sleep apnea, and according to him, being obese significantly raises the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart attack. According to Jun’s explanation, “obesity is the primary culprit behind both illnesses in the vast majority of instances.”

However, it is essential to keep in mind that not all people who have sleep apnea are overweight. Furthermore, data reveals an independent relationship between sleep apnea and diabetes. According to Jun, “Our laboratory and others have demonstrated that sleep apnea is connected with greater risks of diabetes, irrespective of weight. Sleep apnea may also raise blood sugar levels.”

Losing weight is one of the most important things that individuals who are overweight or obese can do to cure or prevent sleep apnea. People who tend to store fat in susceptible areas such as the neck, tongue, and upper abdomen are at an increased risk of developing sleep apnea. This weight causes the neck to become narrower and presses on the lungs, both of which contribute to airway collapse while the person is sleeping.

As people become older, women in particular should exercise caution. This alters over time, since premenopausal women have a tendency to put on weight in their hips and lower bodies rather than in their bellies as they get closer to menopause. A higher risk of sleep apnea is associated with the gradual accumulation of fat in parts of the body that are stereotypically associated with men, such as the stomach.

When a woman reaches menopause, her hormones begin to shift, and as a result, she may start to appear more like a man in terms of where she puts on weight. “After menopause, women start to catch up to males in the rates of apnea, so now is the time to pay attention to the hazards of sleep apnea,” Jun says. “It’s a time to be paying attention to the dangers of sleep apnea.”

Improve your health by properly diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.

It is essential to seek treatment for sleep apnea since the condition may have far-reaching effects on a person’s health if left untreated. Although there have been some high-profile fatalities associated to sleep apnea, such as the death of Judge Antonin Scalia, Jun maintains that the actual danger comes from damage done over time. This is because sleep apnea causes harm to the body over time.

According to a measuring method known as the apnea-hypopnea index, the severity of obstructive sleep apnea may vary anywhere from moderate to severe (AHI). The amount of times throughout the course of an hour’s sleep that you stop breathing is what the AHI takes into account.

Takeaway

There are a variety of treatments available for sleep apnea, which, if left untreated, may interrupt your sleep throughout the night and put you at increased risk for a number of dangerous disorders. During the time that you are asleep, treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliances may assist in maintaining an adequate supply of oxygen in your lungs. If you’re overweight, losing weight may help improve your sleep apnea symptoms while also lowering your chance of developing heart disease.

How to Prevent Sleep Apnea

Posted on October 10, 2022December 22, 2022 by Sara Larcombe

Reduce the risk factors that are within your control to reduce your chance of getting sleep apnea. Some of the actions you can do are listed below:

Discuss with your doctor how you might attempt to reduce your risk factors or identify apnea early. Do you have a history of sleep apnea in your family? Do you suffer from a sleep apnea diagnosis-related medical problem, such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension? Do you need weight loss? Do you often snore during night? With your doctor, go through preventative measures you may take to reduce your chance of developing sleep apnea and ensure that you catch it early.
Consume a balanced diet. Pick heart-healthy foods, such as a range of fruits and vegetables. This may help you maintain a healthy weight and enhance your general health in addition to lowering your chance of sleep apnea.
Regular exercise. Even if you’re overweight or obese, being active may lower your chance for sleep apnea. Recent research from Massachusetts General Hospital found that regular exercise decreased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea by 10 to 31 percent regardless of participants’ body mass index. The study was published in the European Respiratory Journal in 2021 and followed 137,917 midlife and older adults for up to 18 years (BMI, a measure of weight compared with height).
Exercise may be beneficial by lowering fluid accumulation in the lower legs during the day, which might cause the fluid to rise in the body at night when individuals are laying down. It may also lower the risk of apnea by lowering insulin resistance.
Stop using tobacco. Smoking raises your chance of developing sleep apnea as well as a variety of other conditions and diseases, including as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Avoid sleeping pills and depressants. Reduce your alcohol intake and stay away from drugs like sedatives and opioids that relax your muscles and block signals from your central nervous system. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, refrain from using sleep aids for the same reasons.

Don’t sleep on your back.

To reduce the likelihood that your tongue and soft palate may collapse into your airway and obstruct the passage of oxygen, try sleeping on your side (with appropriate pillows if required).

Sleep apnea is really another word for snoring, right?

In no way. Snoring is that irritating sound that develops while you sleep when air flows through relaxed tissues in your throat. A person with sleep apnea has frequent starts and pauses in their breathing while they are asleep.

Although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, many people with the condition do snore often and loudly. Men are more likely than women to get sleep apnea, which affects one in five individuals.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most prevalent kind, occurs when excess weight on the upper chest and neck blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA), a less frequent kind, occurs when the brain fails to regularly transmit signals to the diaphragm to contract and expand. Brain stem stroke and CSA have been linked.

Why does this matter so much?

Because weight overwhelms the muscles that keep the upper airway open during sleep, it becomes challenging for patients with OSA to maintain it open. There is a delay in breathing every time the airway shuts while you sleep; this may happen five to thirty times an hour or more, and it might cause you to wake up unexpectedly gasping for air.

When the air supply is cut off, the body produces stress hormones, which over time may cause high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease—the #1 killer in the US. Additionally, it may raise the risk of metabolic syndrome, liver issues, and type 2 diabetes.

Experts think it may be a part of a vicious cycle in which the lack of sleep it causes might create greater obesity, which in turn can make the problem worse. It is also linked to obesity.

Who is at risk?

Overweight people are particularly susceptible to OSA because fat deposits in the upper airway might eventually cause the muscles there to lose tone, obstructing breathing. The same goes for those who have larger necks, narrower throats, or bigger tonsils or adenoids.

Sleep apnea affects older persons far more often than younger ones, and it is more common in males than in women. Additionally, those who smoke, drink, or have a history of sleep apnea may be at higher risk.

What signals are there?

Other than loud snoring and abruptly stopping breathing or gasping for oxygen while you sleep (which is clearly witnessed by someone else), symptoms may resemble those of any sleep disorder:

Dry mouth upon awakening
Morning headaches
Trouble falling asleep or being too sleepy
Irritability or difficulty concentrating when awake

How can I be certain?

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, but a sleep expert may be required to do tests, such as nocturnal breathing monitoring, in order to diagnose your illness and establish its severity.

Your doctor can keep an eye on your heart, lungs, brain, and other movements as you sleep with a test called polysomnography. This research aids in the exclusion of other sleep disorders such narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.

What is done about it?

Your doctor can suggest tools, therapies, or even surgery to help open the airway in moderate to severe instances.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), in which a machine distributes constant air pressure via a mask into the nose or mouth, as well as mouthpieces designed to keep the throat open, are common treatments.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments if you have a mild case and are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, such as:

Engage in regular physical exercise but avoid doing so immediately before bed since this may cause your adrenaline to spike and keep you awake.
Limit your daily alcohol intake to one drink for women and two for men; drinking too much alcohol makes it difficult to fall asleep.
Steer clear of caffeine before bed.
Establish a pre-bedtime ritual, such as a warm bath, dimmer lighting, or herbal tea.