Sleep apnea is a common health disorder characterized by temporary short-term (10-30 seconds) stops in breathing occurring in a sleeping person. During apnea attacks, the person’s breathing becomes irregular, and their nightly rest is interrupted by repeated awakenings – that is the brain’s way of telling people to come round for some air.
There are two main types of this condition:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a more widespread problem that develops when the patient’s throat or upper airways narrow or shut down during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain causes the respiratory muscles to work incorrectly.
Apnea can shorten the duration of sleep or adversely affect its quality. Poor sleep quality, in turn, can lead to certain physical and emotional problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, elevated blood pressure, depression, and mental disorders.
The hallmark symptoms of OSA are:
- loud snoring
- breathing that stops for a short time and then resumes
- inability to breathe through the nose
- restlessness during sleep
- excess sweating
- morning headaches
- fatigue or daytime sleepiness
- mood swings, irritability
- difficulty concentrating.
What Causes OSA?
Obesity and excess weight are the most frequent causes of obstructive sleep apnea in adults, while children mostly get OSA from enlarged tonsils or adenoids and certain dental conditions. The increased risk of sleep apnea is associated with certain pathological conditions, including Down’s syndrome, sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy, and neuromuscular disease.
How Does Global Pharmacy Help Diagnose OSA?
Fortunately, you do not need to look for time in your busy schedule trying to squeeze a clinic visit into it. Thanks to OSA Diagnostics service, getting tested for apnea has never been easier. Our home sleep apnea test will help you spot the problem early and take proper measures to manage this condition effectively.
Visit our Vaughan-based Global Canadian Pharmacy and get a consultation regarding your suspected sleep apnea. Our specialists will perform a quick sleep health check to determine whether you need to take our home sleep apnea test. If it is recommended for you, you will get a portable breathing monitor to wear during your sleep. It will provide valuable insights into your breathing and oxygen levels, the number/duration of breathing pauses, etc. Our specialists will then decipher these readings and advise you on further steps.