Obstructive sleep apnea affects million of Americans, with up to 200,000 cases diagnosed each year.

Who can get obstructive sleep apnea?

It’s important to understand that anyone, including children may develop obstructive sleep apnea. However, some people are more prone to developing the sleep disorder based on certain risk factors indicated below.

Certain Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

People are more at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea if they posses any of these specific factors:

  • Overweight or excess weight – people who are overweight have four more times the likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Narrowed or blocked airways – it is possible to have inherited a narrow throat due to genes. If tonsils become enlarged or inflamed, then airways may become blocked which often occurs in children. Narrow or blocked airways cause sleep apnea.
  • Males – males are twice as likely to develop sleep apnea over their female counterparts. However, a female’s risk of sleep apnea is increased after menopause.
  • Age – the older you are, the more likely it is for you to develop sleep apnea.
  • Smoking – smokers have three times the risk of developing sleep apnea. Lifestyle factors play a huge role in the development of sleep apnea.
  • Allergies or deviated septum – those who suffer from allergies or experience nasal congestion on a persistent basis as a result of an anatomical problem such as a deviated septum are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
  • Alcohol – alcohol relaxes the muscles in your throat, as well as disrupts the function of other organs necessary in keeping the body at full working capacity. Chronic use could be related to the development of sleep apnea.
  • Family history – if you have a family history of sleep apnea or if it “runs in your family”, then you will have an increased likelihood of developing sleep apnea.
  • Neck circumference – people with thick necks have an increased chance of developing sleep apnea. In males, a neck circumference of 17 inches or larger is considered thick. In females, this number is 15 inches or larger.

Find Out if You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Chula Vista, CA

Dr. Deanna Risos, sleep apnea dentist in Chula Vista, will help recommend the best treatment plan that caters to your needs in order to restore your quality of life if you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

To schedule a consultation, please call our office @ 619.482.8880 or conveniently contact us online.