What Are The Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Your partner’s sleep apnea is NOT just an irritant - it is a health hazard. Individuals who suffer from paused breathing while sleeping are THREE times more likely to die due to diseases caused by this condition. Sleepiness, brain fog, psychological problems, and depression are some of the minor results of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the airway is blocked, preventing vital oxygen from freely flowing to various important organs. If left untreated, this insidious disease will gradually lead to more serious health conditions such as strokes, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and heart attacks.
Fatal car crashes are also a direct result of OSA because it causes poor sleep leading to sleepiness and inattentive driving. In 2021, Texas had 4,489 fatal accidents. A study published in Science Daily in 2018 discovered that 16% of all fatal car crashes were caused by sleep-deprived drivers. Astoundingly, this is nearly the same number of crashes caused by individuals driving drunk.
These dangerous risks can be mitigated by getting a correct diagnosis and taking steps to improve sleep. Dr. Umang Khetarpal will consult with you and may order a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea and its severity as well as discuss several possible treatments to help improve the quality of your sleep.
How Do You Know If You Need To See A Doctor For Snoring?
Set an appointment with a board-certified ENT such as Dr. Khetarpal if you suffer from the following symptoms:
You snore loudly
You stop breathing during sleep (not breathing for two consecutive breaths. 10 seconds is considered significant)
You gasp or choke during sleep and wake up with a gasp
You wake up with a dry mouth
You are tired during the day, never feeling rested
You fall asleep easily while sitting still during the day
You have early-morning headaches
Children may suffer from ADHD
You may have difficulty concentrating
You may have mood changes such as depression and irritability
At-Home Sleep Study
If your ENT suspects that you have sleep apnea or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, they may order a sleep study. Many patients prefer doing a sleep study from the comfort of their own homes. Here is the process we follow for at-home sleep studies:
Dr. Khetarpal will order a sleep study
Our staff will verify the benefits and the cost of a sleep study
Patients will be informed of the cost of a sleep study based on the benefits obtained by their insurance plan or what the cost is if they are self-pay patients.
A time will be scheduled to pick up the device and the cost will be collected in addition to a deposit to take the device home
Upon return of the device, the sleep device deposit will be returned
Dr. Khetarpal will interpret the results and a follow-up will be scheduled within 2 weeks of the device being returned to review the results of the sleep study.
Our staff will train patients on how to properly use the device which records data while they sleep. We measure for several factors including oxygen saturation and airflow.
In-Lab Sleep Study
While a patient sleeps in a comfortable room, a sleep technician who is in a nearby room will record the patient's brain activity and other selected information. While at-home sleep studies are utilized to diagnose sleep apnea, an in-lab sleep study can help diagnose other sleep disorders including narcolepsy.
Your ENT will help determine which study is right for you!
Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous disease to ignore. Take the steps to improve your quality of life and your health and make an appointment to see Dr. Khetarpal.
Call (832) 990-2700 or click here to request an appointment online
Dr. Khetarpal accepts most major insurance plans and is accepting new patients in The Woodlands and in The Heights. Make an appointment with Houston's #1 ENT
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