Did you know that sleep apnea has an impact on your immune system? Your immune system is responsible for defending your body’s defense against invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and foreign bodies; therefore, if it is weak, we are more prone to getting sick.
Right now, everybody is taking the necessary precautions not to get infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As you may know, you should follow these recommendations to minimize your exposure to it:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Disinfect your hands when you enter and leave a store or any place
- Wear a face mask
- Keeping at least 1-meter distance from others
- Avoid going out if it’s not necessary
If you are doing all of the above, but you suffer from sleep apnea, you are still at a higher risk of getting exposed to viruses since sleep apnea reduces your immunity. If your immune system is not at its best, your body’s defense against foreign bodies is not optimal, and you are more vulnerable to illnesses.
If you are looking for someone who can provide treatment for sleep apnea, look no further! There are many sleep apnea doctors near you to help you treat this condition.
Sleep Apnea in Davie
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that consists of pauses in a person’s breathing while they sleep. The principal cause of it is a blockage of the airway when the soft tissues in the back of your mouth collapse.
This condition can affect any person at any age, whether they are a child or elderly; however, studies have shown that the risk is higher among the male population over 40.
Here are other risk factors of sleep apnea:
- Having a large neck
- Having a large tongue and soft tissues in the back of your mouth
- Having a small lower jaw
- Having sinus issues and allergies
What Are the Consequences of Sleep Apnea?
As we mentioned above, it can reduce your immunity and is linked to:
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Constant headaches
- Irritability
- Depression
Keep in mind that if a person does not rest well, it has an impact on their daily activities and mood.
Sleep Apnea and COVID-19
It has been documented that COVID-19 has grave consequences in people with pre-existing medical conditions and elderly patients. Since sleep apnea increases the risk of health problems such as the ones mentioned above, people with it are more susceptible to getting COVID-19.
If you made it this far, now you know the importance of treating your sleep apnea at a dental clinic near you. We have many caring professionals at our dental clinic in Davie that can evaluate you and determine what the best treatment would be. One of the most effective treatments is continuous positive airflow pressure therapy (CPAP). Also, oral devices (mouthpieces) that reposition the jawbone prevent the soft tissues of the back of the throat from blocking the airway and work excellently.
Your doctor may also recommend the following changes in your lifestyle:
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Exercise daily.
- Avoid smoking.
- Don’t take sleeping pills.
- Don’t sleep on your back.
If you follow these recommendations, you will probably rest and feel much better. If you follow these suggestions, but they have not been effective, your dentist may recommend surgical options to remove tissue from the back of your mouth and top of your throat.
For any other concerns about this topic, feel free to contact our dental office. Our team will be looking forward to helping you improve your quality of life.