Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when the airway is blocked. It causes a person’s breathing to repeatedly pause while he or she is sleeping. Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea in Burnaby. However, there are many risk factors that increase a person’s chances of developing it.
Obesity
It is estimated that
66%
of people who have obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. There are several reasons why obesity puts you at risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea in Burnaby. Most importantly, the extra weight can obstruct your breathing.
Obesity also increases the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypothyroidism, which are other risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. However, it is important to note that thin and normal-weight people can develop this condition too.
Male Gender
It is estimated 4% of middle-aged men have obstructive sleep apnea, while only 2% of middle-aged women have this condition. However, sleep apnea in women is more likely to go undiagnosed.
Many women will go to their primary care doctor if they have sleep apnea symptoms instead of a sleep specialist. That is why they may be misdiagnosed. It is also important to note that women are more likely to develop sleep apnea after they reach menopause.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is more common in people who have high blood pressure. People who have sleep apnea are also more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Family History
Sleep apnea has a tendency to run in families. People who have a close relative with sleep apnea are more likely to develop it themselves.
Chronic Nasal Congestion
If you have chronic nasal congestion, then you are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Chronic nasal congestion can be caused by narrow airways. It may also be caused by allergies, nasal polyps, a deviated septum, and a long-lasting sinus infection.
