What leads people not to seek treatment? Many people misunderstand the severity of their diagnosis, feel embarrassed by the stigma associated with the condition or avoid care out of fear and anxiety about seeing a doctor. The dangers of untreated sleep apnea, however, should not be taken lightly. An untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis can be potentially life-threatening.
Immediate Effects of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Anyone familiar with sleep apnea is probably familiar with CPAP machines and snoring.
Obstructive sleep apnea often comes with numerous immediate effects that are synonymous with the OSA:
- Frequently waking while choking or gasping for air
- Feeling unrested in the morning
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Frequent morning headaches
- Chronic sore throat or dry mouth
Long-Term Effects if Left Untreated
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked, preventing airflow and causing pauses in breathing.
If left untreated, these routine problems with the airway can cause downstream health issues including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular damage
- Metabolic disruption, obesity
- Cognitive and mood disorders
Any of these conditions alone can be life-threatening, let alone if they’re combined with the danger of not breathing properly or at all for extended periods of time. Additionally, sleep apnea is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression and is a factor in many traffic accidents and accidents with heavy machinery.
Don’t Wait for Treatment
It’s estimated that some 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with about 80 percent of moderate to severe cases undiagnosed. Anyone could be one of the 80 percent, especially if they also experience some of the effects outlined above.
The dangers of sleep apnea stretch beyond the limits of a person’s sleep cycle. The regular lack of adequate sleep can completely derail a person’s life. Mood swings, obesity, anxiety, depression can quickly begin eating away at a person’s interpersonal relationships, and excessive daytime fatigue and drowsiness can impact productivity and damage their professional life. Still, other consequential diagnoses such as diabetes or any number of cardiovascular conditions can make life incredibly hard on a patient and their family.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Marzban
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from sleep apnea, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Marzban. The dangers of untreated sleep apnea are too great to go unattended and should be acknowledged as soon as possible. For more information, call 703-323-8200 today.
