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How many types of apnea are there?
I have been told I have both types of apnea.
Checking your site, I only see sleep apnea discussed.
I know of obstructive 'sleep' apnea...
I am aware that I have non-obstructive (the name used before it became the designer disease of the month, so to speak)...
I have been monitored for other things recently, and was told that at times, when awake, I quit breathing or go to very intermittent breathing.
Checking your site, I only see sleep apnea discussed.
I know of obstructive 'sleep' apnea...
I am aware that I have non-obstructive (the name used before it became the designer disease of the month, so to speak)...
I have been monitored for other things recently, and was told that at times, when awake, I quit breathing or go to very intermittent breathing.
asked Nov 15, 2009 at 02:02PM in Other
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4Votesanswered Nov 16, 2009 at 01:46PMObstructive sleep apnea is the most common type (90%) of sleep apnea; this type is due to the throat/upper airways closing off during sleep. Central sleep apnea consists of breathing pauses when the airways are wide open- sometimes this can be seen in people with heart failure or stroke; it can also be caused by opioids. Pure central sleep apnea is uncommon, but there can be combinations of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
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3Votesanswered Nov 16, 2009 at 03:04PMcentral sleep apnea sometimes responds to cpap, but often BiPAP (including advanced forms of BiPAP) are necessary. Central sleep apnea sometimes responds to supplemental O2 alone.
cessation of breathing during wakefulness is not a common sign, can be seen with some rare disorders such as congenital central hypoventilation. Don't know too much about it. If you have apneas while awake, you need evaluation by a pulmonologist. -
2Votes
answered Nov 19, 2009 at 06:34PMI believe Dr. Rack explained better than I could. I will add that sleep apnea is in no way a designer disease of the month. In its most severe form it can quickly damage the brain, followed by coma, followed by death. Many people who have sleep apnea have had it for years. They don't really know what's wrong; they just feel extremely tired all the time; almost to the point of wondering wether its all worthwhile. C-PAP and Bi-PAP machines do a good job of alleviating most of the problem. However, only about 30% of folks who have apnea can actually tolerate either mask overnight. Therefore, it's a continual search for what works best for the individual. -
1Votesanswered Dec 01, 2009 at 05:11PMConceptually, obstructive and central sleep apnea are extremes of a spectrum that is a bit more complicated. There is some debate about "mixed" forms - research studies can show breathing control effects in 15-20% of patients, in the clinic this is sometimes called "complex sleep apnea"; clinical estimates run from < 5% to 15%. 30% is too pessimistic, with careful follow-up and intensive support, rates of 70% can be achieved. Central forms of sleep apnea can be helped with a new form of air pressure treatment called adaptive ventilation, additional oxygen, a drug used to prevent mountain sickness called Diamox, and use of a non-vented mask to keep carbon dioxide levels "just right" (only the adaptive ventilators are FDA approved for central and complex sleep apnea).
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0Votesanswered Dec 01, 2009 at 05:55PMI thank all of you for the answers. I have been slowly finding more about the diseases (I consider both 'separate' problems for sake of argument).
The phrase 'designer disease of the month, goes back to when it was first diagnosed. (approximately 20 years ago). At that time, it was not considered 'common' around my area (since then, that has changed).
Once I started recovery, my late wife was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
At that time, after going through several MDs, we found the ONLY one in the state qualified to diagnose the condition (or even knew what it was, so to speak).
She was turned down for SSI because it took two doctors, or it was not allowed. Hence, the term 'designer disease' since it is as common as houseflies now.
Back from nostalgia. Facial apparatus (CPap/BiPap) don't work well with me. They keep hitting the wall.
I am due to be scheduled for a Sleep Study, and your input makes me a better informed patient, with more options to ask about.
Unfortunately, the bottom line on things... I have it. and not much else to figure for now.
Seems there is not much that 'does' work usually, with these conditions. That's life.
Again, thank you for you time and patience. Forgive my wandering, but, I know the condition is potentially fatal, since I have 'fataled' twice before (many years ago.)
Take care, and Maholo...
vince
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A) if 'central' apnea, has any recommended therapies, that seem to work?
B) is cessation of breathing during 'waking' hours a common sign?
I have personally seen it. I have been told it doesn't happen, even when they are watching it on the monitors in the hospital. (They just tell me to breath, while I am talking to them... therefore, not asleep)