Sleep Apnea Risk Factors San Francisco

What Are The Risk Factors?

Sleep apnea may occur if you’re young or old, male or female.
Even children can have sleep apnea. But certain factors put you at increased risk:

Excess Weight:

Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. However, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people develop the disorder, too. Snoring (Snoring can cause the soft palate to lengthen, which in turn can obstruct the airway)

Neck Circumference:

The size of your neck may indicate whether or not you have an increased risk of sleep apnea. That’s because a thick neck may narrow the airway and may be an indication of excess weight. A neck circumference greater than 17.5 inches (44 centimeters) is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

A Narrowed Airway:

You may inherit a naturally narrow throat. Or, your tonsils or adenoids may become enlarged, which can block your airway.

Being Male:

Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women are. However, women increase their risk if they’re overweight, and the risk also appears to rise after menopause.

Family History:

If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.

Use Of Alcohol, Sedatives or Tranquilizers:

These substances relax the muscles in your throat and depress your central nervous system.

Smoking:

Smokers are three times as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea as are people who’ve never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. This risk likely drops after you quit smoking.

The right sleep apnea treatment for your needs will be determined after a thorough examination with San Francisco Sleep Apnea expert Dr. Samadian. Together, we will devise a plan to help you overcome your sleep apnea.

If you are unsure if you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea or have already been diagnosed, make an appointment with Dr. Samadian to learn more about treating this condition. Our staff is knowledgeable with medical insurance and will work to maximize your reimbursement. Schedule an appointment with San Francisco Sleep Specialist Dr. Samadian and get your life back today!