If you have apnea, your bed partner might notice that the snores are punctuated by pauses in breathing. Those are apnea episodes, and they can recur hundreds of times a night. People with apnea often toss and turn and otherwise show signs of restless nighttime sleep. If you find yourself kicking, thrashing, jerking or waking up under a twisted pile of disheveled sheets, apnea might be a possible cause.
Sleep apnea is hardly the only issue that interferes with sleep. Experts have described more than 70 different sleep disorders. Other common culprits include:. If you're having trouble sleeping, you should learn when to talk to your doctor.
You might nod off when reading or in front of the TV. When the brain senses the change in pH due to increased carbon dioxide, it increases our respiratory drive instinctively to get more oxygen and blow out more carbon dioxide in an attempt to restore the normal balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide.
When this protective mechanism is absent or disrupted, people can faint, have seizures or suffer brain injury. Certain native populations living high up in the mountains, such as people living in the Himalayas, Andes and Rocky mountains, have over the years developed a higher tolerance, as the air is thin and oxygen is at lower concentration at these altitudes.
Why bother? Just breathe in the fresh air. Keep your brain healthy as you age. Read more. How to help when seniors struggle with technology When older adults start struggling with using technology such as smart phones, computers and tablets, this could be an early sign of dementia.
Is there a link between menopause and dementia? Get tips from Ohio State experts right to your inbox. Email address.
Has the person had repeated, brief episodes of apnea? Did the episode end with a sudden deep, snorting breath? Did the episode occur while awake or asleep? Has the person been ill recently? Was there any breathing difficulty before breathing stopped? What other symptoms have you noticed? What medicines does the person take? Does the person use street or recreational drugs? Diagnostic tests and treatments that may be done include: Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth intubation , and breathing machine ventilator Blood and urine tests Chest tube Chest x-ray CT scan Defibrillation electrical shock to the heart ECG electrocardiogram, or heart tracing Fluids through a vein intravenous or IV Medicines to treat symptoms, including antidotes to reverse the effects of a poisoning or overdose.
Alternative Names. Respiration slowed or stopped; Not breathing; Respiratory arrest; Apnea. Popcorn lung is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals found in microwaveable popcorn factories and e-cigarettes. Symptoms include flu-like illness…. A pulmonologist is a doctor who focuses on the respiratory system. Discover the conditions they treat such as COPD , exams they conduct, and much…. Pleural effusion, also called water on the lung, happens when fluid builds up between your lungs and chest cavity.
Learn why this happens and how to…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Untreated apnea can lead to heart and brain problems due to a lack of oxygen. Types of apnea. When to see a doctor. Emergency first aid. Treatment options. Long-term health complications.
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