Greetings, Dr. Roach Would you kindly discuss the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea? Furthermore, what happens to folks who can’t stand a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine? I am aware that surgery is a possibility, but it usually doesn’t work. — No name.
ANSWER: Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects 15% to 30% of American men and 10% to 15% of women, many people are still undiagnosed. It can happen to persons of any weight, although it is more prevalent in those who are overweight or obese. It’s possible that their airways constrict as they sleep due to some aspect of their anatomy.
Untreated OSA can have a number of negative effects, all of which are more likely to occur in cases when obstruction is more severe. People with OSA are more likely to be involved in car accidents because they have trouble sleeping. Among the most prevalent neurological and psychological consequences are depression and memory issues.
High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cardiac disease—particularly in the right side of the heart—are all far more common. Diabetes is more prevalent and unaffected by weight. For all of these reasons, it’s critical to diagnose and treat this problem as soon as possible.
The standard first-line treatment is CPAP administered using a mask and compressor. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it works better than the majority of other treatments. It keeps the airway from closing, enabling breathing to continue as you sleep.
Unquestionably, though, a lot of people struggle to get used to the mask. In general, nasal pillow masks are more well-tolerated. Before weighing their options, I advise my patients to experiment with a variety of masks and to exercise patience with the equipment.
When a person consults with their dentist, oral appliances may be discussed before surgery. By timing an electrical impulse to the tongue with inspiration, a hypoglossal nerve stimulation device can enhance your airflow.
An individual’s anatomy dictates the procedure to be used if surgery is contemplated. Overall, research has shown that surgery can reduce OSA by at least 50% in 30% to 80% of cases.
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Greetings, Dr. Roach I am twenty-four years old and really tired. Numerous tests have failed to provide a response. A parasite known as Giardia lamblia was detected in my feces. Is this the reason for the weariness? — W.A.
ANSWER: The intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia is widespread throughout the world. Direct contact with the parasite, such as in tainted open water, is how the sickness is spread. It is a common cause of traveler’s diarrhea and can be transferred from the United States to foreign countries.
Many Giardia patients will experience symptoms 7–10 days after exposure, however some will not. Acute Giardia frequently causes diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, and over 66% of patients report losing weight.
Acute giardiasis might develop into chronic giardiasis if therapy is not received. Although there is less diarrhea, a person may lose 10% to 20% of their body weight. Malaise, a medical word for just feeling unwell, and exhaustion can be debilitating. Additionally, the parasite may hinder the absorption of minerals, particularly folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
Thankfully, there is a successful treatment available now that you have a diagnosis. Although metronidazole and nitazoxanide are alternatives, single-dose tinidazole is more than 90% effective.
Although he regrets not being able to respond to each letter individually, Dr. Roach will try to include them in the column. Questions can be sent by mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or by email to [email protected].
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