What Is Sleep Apnea?
9. How Can Sleep Apnea Be Prevented?
Some risk factors for sleep apnea are not able to be reduced or controlled. Older males and those with a family history of sleep apnea are more likely to develop either type of sleep apnea. Those who have had a stroke or who have congestive heart failure are also at higher risk of developing the disorder. Individuals with inherited narrow airways or chronic nasal congestion due to allergies also are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
Some risk factors can be controlled to reduce the chance of developing sleep apnea or to reduce symptoms once it develops. Individuals who carry excess weight and have larger neck circumferences are more likely to develop the condition. Smoking also increases risk, along with the use of alcohol, sedatives or narcotic pain medication. If you are a smoker with sleep apnea it is possible to reduce or eliminate your symptoms by quitting smoking.
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