We’re pleased to announce WELL Health Diagnostic Centres have been selected among the 2024 Best Workplaces™ for Giving Back. We received this honour after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work^®.

To be selected for this achievement, more than 90% of our staff agreed with the following survey questions:

• “I feel good about the ways we contribute to the community.”
• “My work has special meaning, this is not just a job.”
• “I feel I make a difference here.”

The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work^®. The data has a 90% confidence and a plus or minus 5% margin of error.

To be eligible for this list, organizations must be Great Place to Work-Certified™ in the past year and work primarily in the Healthcare Sector. We ranked the best based on employee responses to our Trust Index  survey.

About Great Place to Work^®:

Great Place to Work^® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work^® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada). Great Place to Work^® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures.

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Personal health monitoring is crucial for maintaining good overall health and catching possible health problems early. According to Statista, 60 percent of U.S. adults reported using a blood pressure monitor, while 48 percent reported using a step counter/pedometer in 2019. At WELL Health Diagnostic Centres, we stress being proactive about your well-being. This article will help you understand diverse aspects of personal health observation, from bone density to heart condition, and give valuable knowledge on how to monitor your wellness.

The Different Factors that Affect Bone Density

The density of bones is significant for keeping a sturdy and robust skeletal structure. According to the National Institute of Health, many things can impact bone density, such as:

• Age: As we age, the density of our bones tends to lessen, making them more likely to break. The normal reduction in bone density generally starts after someone reaches 30 years old. Bone loss can speed up, particularly in females who have gone through menopause because they often experience lower levels of estrogen, which is important for keeping healthy bone mass.
• Gender: Women usually experience more loss in bone density, especially after menopause, because of changes in their hormones. The hormone estrogen is essential to maintain the strength of bones, and when it decreases rapidly after menopause, there can be a quick decrease in bone mass. Men also gradually lose their bone density but can undergo significant loss later in life, especially after reaching 70 years old.
• Diet: If someone’s diet does not have enough calcium and vitamin D, it can cause an unusual loss of bone strength. These two nutrients are essential for good bone health. Calcium is the main material used to build up bone tissue, while vitamin D helps absorb calcium and grow bones. Furthermore, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin K, among other nutrients, are suitable for maintaining bone health. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, and whole grains can help improve bone density.
• Physical Activity: Doing exercises that involve bearing weight, like walking, running, and strength training, can assist in keeping up bone density. When you put stress on your bones during these activities, it stimulates your body’s creation of more bones. This makes them more solid and dense. For younger people, high-impact exercises such as jumping or plyometrics are beneficial. In contrast, low-impact ones like swimming or cycling could be better options for those with joint problems.
• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and too much drinking can harm your bones. Smoking is recognized for decreasing the body’s capacity to soak in calcium, weakening bones. The excessive intake of alcohol can also cause an imbalance in calcium levels, reduce bone creation, and heighten chances for fractures. If you don’t smoke and control your alcohol drinking, it’s good for your bones.
• Genetics: Your genes can also influence how dense your bones are. If there is a history of osteoporosis or frequent fractures in your family, it might indicate you have increased chances. Recognizing this genetic tendency may motivate you to be more proactive about maintaining good bone health.
• Medical Conditions and Medications: Some health issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and problems with the gastrointestinal system, can influence bone density. Continuous use of drugs like corticosteroids might also result in bone loss. Taking care of these conditions well is essential, and talking with your medical professional about methods for keeping your bone health safe.

Knowing these things can assist you in maintaining robust bones and lowering the possibility of osteoporosis and fractures. Regular screenings for bone density, a balanced diet, an active life approach, and not engaging in damaging habits all play significant parts in keeping your bones’ health intact.

Undergoing Your Mammogram Biopsy with Confidence

The mammogram biopsy, though essential for determining and dealing with breast cancer, can be scary for some individuals. At Well Health Diagnostic Centres, we recognize the apprehension that could come with this procedure and assure you our goal is to support your journey of undergoing a mammogram biopsy confidently and comfortably. Here are some suggestions and thoughts to assist in handling the process:

• Educate Yourself: Knowing about the process and what will happen can significantly decrease worry. A mammogram biopsy is when a minor piece of breast tissue is removed to check for cancer cells. Various biopsies exist, like fine needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and operation-based biopsies. Knowing your biopsy type, the steps involved, and what may come up later can help make things less strange.
• Ask Questions: Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the mammogram biopsy. Understanding details can make you feel more empowered. For example, possible questions are:
  – What type of biopsy will I undergo?
  – How long will the procedure take?
  – What should I expect during and after the biopsy?
  – Are there any risks or side effects?
  – How long will it take to get the results?
  Getting clear answers to these questions can offer reassurance and allow you to prepare yourself mentally for the procedure.

• Prepare Mentally and Physically: Staying calm and relaxed before the process starts is very important. You can try deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to lessen stress. Dress in comfortable clothes that are simple to take off and follow any pre-biopsy advice given by your physician. The instructions could include not taking some medications or not eating and drinking for a period before the procedure. Read our test preparation guide for more information.
• Support System: Ask a friend or family person to come along for emotional backup. Having someone you love with you can give you comfort and confidence. They may also help with driving if feelings of nervousness or uneasiness arise after the process. Also, having a person to chat with before and after the biopsy can help calm fears and make them feel normal.
• Communicate Your Concerns: Tell your healthcare provider about any worries or fears you may have. They are there to assist and can provide extra help, like counseling or support groups, for the procedure. If you feel uneasy about the process, let them know so they can change their method accordingly to make it more comfortable for you.
• Post-Biopsy Care: Knowing what to anticipate after the biopsy can also make you feel more prepared. Your doctor will give directions on how to look after the biopsy spot, control any pain, and identify infection symptoms. Understanding these details about taking care of yourself afterward can help build your confidence in recovering.

Learning the Symptoms and Signs of Cardiovascular Disease

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world, but knowing and catching symptoms early can help save lives. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms and signs of cardiovascular disease:

• Chest Pain: Persistent chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom of cardiovascular disease.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity, can indicate heart problems.
• Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue and weakness may be signs of cardiovascular disease.
• Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can result from poor heart function.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or an irregular heartbeat can be warning signs of heart issues.

If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help right away. Detecting and treating cardiovascular disease early is crucial for effective management.

Steps in Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Home monitoring of blood pressure is a crucial element for controlling your cardiovascular condition. To get precise readings, follow these steps:

• Select the Correct Equipment: Use a home blood pressure monitor that has been proven dependable. Cuff-style automatic monitors are simple for users and give precise readings, too.
• Get Ready: Rest for at least five minutes before checking your measurement. Sit comfortably with back support and feet flat on the floor.
• Position Correctly: Place the cuff on your upper arm, aligning it with your heart. Make sure the cuff feels snug but not overly tight.
• Read Multiple Times: Read it more than once, with a one-minute gap, and note down the average. This allows for any changes in your blood pressure to be considered.
• Consistent Timing: Measure your blood pressure simultaneously each day for consistency.

Checking your blood pressure regularly at home can help you and your healthcare provider make wise choices about your heart health.

Purpose and Procedure of the Exercise ECG Stress Test

The exercise ECG stress test is a handy way to examine your heart’s health and identify possible heart problems. Here’s why and how this test is done:

• Purpose: The exercise ECG stress test examines how your heart reacts to physical stress. It helps find out if you have coronary artery disease, checks if treatments for the heart are working well, and figures out a safe level of exercise for people with heart problems.
• Preparation: Put on comfy clothes and shoes that are good for exercise. Do not eat a big meal or have caffeine before the test.
• Process: The procedure involves walking or pedaling on a treadmill or stationary bike. As you exercise, the intensity slowly rises, and your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are observed.
• Monitoring: They will place electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. This test usually lasts 10-15 minutes or until you reach the desired heart rate.

The exercise ECG stress test is used to gather important information about how your heart functions and assist in planning your treatment.

Understanding Holter Monitor Uses for Cardiac Health

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that keeps track of your heart’s electrical activity for 24 to 48 hours. Knowing the uses of Holter monitor for heart health can provide you with information on why and when this test might be suggested:

• Use: The Holter monitor detects irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that can’t be seen in a normal ECG. It’s employed to analyze symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting without any known cause.
• Procedure: The monitor is placed on your chest using electrodes; you wear it daily and night. You will need to maintain a diary noting down activities done along with any symptoms that arise.
• Data Gathering: The device saves your heart’s activity, which is then examined by a health expert for irregularities.
• Comfort and Convenience: The Holter monitor is light and small, making it comfortable to carry on with your everyday tasks.

Wearing a Holter monitor gives a detailed look into your heart’s health, which is helpful for identifying and controlling heart problems. Other options include an exercise stress test that measures your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing during physical activity or a cardiovascular consultation for a comprehensive evaluation of your heart by a heart specialist.

Watching your health has a significant effect on keeping and enhancing your well-being. You can identify possible health problems early and react accordingly by being aware and taking action. At WELLl Health Diagnostic Centres, we are dedicated to providing you with the necessary means and assistance to maintain adequate personal health monitoring. Please contact Well Health Diagnostic Centres to schedule your appointment and start managing your health awareness.

WELL Health Diagnostic Centres have been re-selected among the 2024 Best Workplaces™ in Healthcare. We received this honour after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work^®.

The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work^®. The data has a 90% confidence and a plus or minus 5% margin of error.

To be eligible for this list, organizations must be Great Place to Work-Certified™ in the past year and work primarily in the Healthcare Sector. We ranked the best based on employee responses to our Trust Index  survey.

About Great Place to Work^®:

Great Place to Work^® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work^® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada). Great Place to Work^® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures.

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It is common for people to feel low energy during the summer months. We typically think of summer as a time when days are longer, and there’s more activity outside. But with that heat can come disruptions in sleep patterns and general tiredness, too. This blog will examine why we feel tired during summer, how seasonal weather impacts sleep routines, and share advice on improving restfulness for increased liveliness.

Recognizing Summer Fatigue Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs of summer fatigue are not always clear, like feeling sleepy. They can also be irritability, lack of focus, and an overall sensation of sluggishness. Usually, these indications come from being exposed to hot temperatures for extended periods that disturb our typical sleep pattern. Understanding and identifying these signs is essential so you can take action and manage your energy in the summer.

Understanding Seasonal Weather Changes Your Sleep Pattern

Changes in weather due to seasons significantly affect how you sleep. When nights grow shorter and warmth increases, it becomes hard for many people to fall asleep and maintain that state. The growing light can disturb your body’s circadian rhythms, while the heat doesn’t allow deep sleep to occur comfortably. One main cause for feeling low energy in the summer months is this disturbance to the component sleep cycle.

Additionally, the longer hours of daylight accompanying summer can deceive your brain into postponing melatonin production. This hormone is in charge of inducing sleepiness, and this shift can alter your internal clock, causing you to go to bed later than usual. Consequently, it becomes more challenging to get the suggested quantity of sleep. Moreover, increased humidity frequently accompanies surges in temperature. This combination makes sleeping more complex by creating an impression of dense air and increasing difficulties with breathing. This mix of elements indicates that even when you succeed in falling asleep, the sleep standard might be affected and cause feelings of tiredness and reduced awareness the following day.

To fight these changes, make a sleep-friendly setting. Use blackout curtains for creating darkness like night that can help your body understand it is time to rest even if the sun is still up. Also, air conditioning or a fan should be used to control room temperature, which will aid in falling asleep and staying asleep. Understanding these changes in seasons and adapting your sleep area accordingly can help lessen the harmful impacts of summer on sleeping routines and general energy levels.

Tips for Sleep During Hot Weather

To keep your energy and health in good condition, it’s essential to sleep well when the weather is hot. Here are some practical ways to achieve this:

• Bedroom cooling: Use air conditioning or fans to keep your bedroom at a pleasant temperature.
• Breathable bedding: Lighter fabrics, such as cotton, that let air pass through can help maintain a cool environment during sleep.
• Drink water: When the days are hot, lack of water can disturb your sleep and decrease energy. So make sure to drink more water.
• Block out light: Use blackout curtains to keep your bedroom dark, encouraging better sleep.
• Stick to a consistent sleep routine: Aim to sleep and rise at the identical hour every day to balance your body’s natural rhythm.

Is There a Connection Between Hot Weather and Cardiovascular Disease?

Studies have shown a connection between warm weather and cardiovascular illness. Heat can induce dehydration that places stress on the heart, while also making the body work harder to keep its usual temperature, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart problems may find these things especially hard, so controlling how much they are exposed to scorching weather and keeping them hydrated is essential.

Feeling less energetic during summer could mean that the heat is influencing your sleep and general health. If you still experience tiredness, even after trying methods to enhance your sleep, it may be beneficial to talk with a healthcare expert. We at Well Health Diagnostic Centres are ready to assist you in understanding and controlling your well-being efficiently all year round. We are reading to assist you in achieving a bright, lively summer. Contact us now for a consultation.

We’re pleased to announce WELL Health Diagnostic Centres have been re-selected for Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 7th consecutive year! Featured in the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business, this is Canada’s leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in private Canadian-owned companies. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies undergo a rigorous application process, but only the best are awarded with this prestigious designation.

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In recognition of Sleep Awareness Month, we invite you to watch a special webinar on sleep disorders, presented by Dr. Marc Sherkin!

Recorded: Thursday, March 28th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Topic: Sleep Disorders with Dr. Marc Sherkin
Learn about:

• Affects of Seasonal Time Changes on Sleep
• COVID-19 Impact on Sleep
• Sleep and Aging
• Sleep and Heart Health
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dr. Sherkin is a Royal College Fellow in Internal Medicine and Respirology, and a specialist in Sleep Medicine. He is the founder of the Humber River Hospital Sleep Disorders Lab and Medical Director of the Hospital Alliance Group and the Sleep Clinics at Ross Memorial Hospital and Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

WATCH RECORDED WEBINAR

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres are the only independent health facilities in Ontario that are Accredited with Exemplary Standing. In addition to cardiology and diagnostic imaging, we provide OHIP-covered sleep consultations and sleep studies in Brampton – with shorter wait times, faster report turnaround, and the highest standard of patient care.

VISIT OUR SLEEP CENTRE IN BRAMPTON

You’re probably familiar with the loud snoring that frequently accompanies sleep apnea if you’ve ever shared a bedroom with someone who has the condition. But not every instance of sleep apnea has this auditory symptom. A less common variation of this disorder is called “Silent Sleep Apnea” or “Sleep Apnea without Snoring”. It can be just as dangerous and occasionally harder to diagnose.

Introduction to Sleep Apnea without Snoring

Frequent breathing pauses characterize a common sleep disorder called sleep apnea while you’re asleep. Usually, one of the main symptoms of sleep apnea that comes to mind is loud snoring. But there’s a crucial difference to be noted between the silent kind of sleep apnea that we’ll discuss here and the more well-known kind that’s linked to snoring.

Understanding Sleep Apnea: Snoring vs. Silent Cases

According to Everyday Health, understanding the distinctions between the two forms of silent sleep apnea is critical before delving more into the disease.

Sleep Apnea with Snoring: One of the main symptoms of this type of sleep apnea is loud snoring. It happens when there is partial airway blockage, which produces a distinctive snoring sound. Because their bed companions or family members commonly notice their snoring, people with this type of sleep apnea frequently obtain an early diagnosis and attention.

Contrarily, as the name implies, silent sleep apnea does not present with the usual loud snoring that causes anxiety. Instead, those with this variation have breathing pauses while sleeping but don’t snore, says Helpguide.org. This makes it more challenging to diagnose and frequently causes a delay in diagnosis because people may mistakenly assume they don’t have a sleep issue if they don’t snore.

Silent Threat: Identifying Sleep Apnea without Snoring

The lack of snoring does not lessen the potential risk to your health from Silent Sleep Apnea. To identify this variation, one must also be aware of additional minor symptoms and signs, according to Sleepfoundation.org:

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: People with Silent Sleep Apnea frequently complain of daytime exhaustion and drowsiness, even after a full night’s sleep. This may affect routine tasks and output.
• Stops Breathing While Asleep: A bed partner or family member may occasionally notice the affected person’s breathing ceasing while asleep. This is a vital indicator that silent sleep apnea is present.
• Sudden Awakenings Associated with Shortness of Breath: People with silent sleep apnea may wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air or feeling out of breath.
• Morning Headaches: Silent sleep apnea can disrupt sleep, leading to frequent headaches.
• Difficulty Concentrating During the Day: Sleep disturbances can have a cognitive impact that includes memory loss, impatience, difficulty concentrating, and even mood swings like depression. Stress or overwork are frequently to blame for misdiagnosing these daytime symptoms.

Diagnostic Challenges and Approaches

Due to its distinct features, diagnosing silent sleep apnea can be difficult. Conventional techniques for diagnosing sleep apnea, like nightly polysomnography (PSG), also known as a sleep study, might not always be able to distinguish this variation. Although they are more accessible, home sleep apnea tests (HSATs) have the potential to overlook certain cases.

Recognizing the previously described symptoms—daytime tiredness, observed breathing pauses, morning headaches, and trouble concentrating—is typically necessary to diagnose silent sleep apnea. To decide whether more testing is required, medical professionals may employ instruments such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, a questionnaire that rates the intensity of symptoms.

Health Implications and Management

The health consequences of silent sleep apnea are similar to those of its snoring-related counterpart. If ignored, it may result in:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Because sleep apnea causes frequent reductions in blood oxygen levels during sleep, the cardiovascular system may be strained, regardless of whether snoring is a part of the condition. This strain can result in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.
• Daytime Fatigue: Silent sleep apnea sleep disturbance leaves people unable to get a good night’s sleep, which leaves them extremely tired and irritable during the day.
• Complications with Medications and Surgery: Sleep apnea can make conventional medical procedures more difficult, as well as sedatives or general anaesthesia, as these medications can potentially relax the airway and worsen the disease. This is true whether or not snoring is present.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

The management of Silent Sleep Apnea is comparable to that of its snoring-related counterpart. The following are some essential preventive actions and beneficial lifestyle modifications:

• Weight Control: Keeping a healthy weight is important because being overweight raises the chance of developing sleep apnea. Significant reductions in weight, even modest ones, can be made in sleep difficulties.
• Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Steer clear of alcohol and sedatives before bedtime since these might relax the muscles in the throat and exacerbate sleep apnea. 
• Adjusting Your Sleep Position: Your sleeping position can impact sleep apnea symptoms. Side sleeping is usually advised to avoid the tongue and soft tissues obstructing the airway.
• Give Up Smoking: Smoking might aggravate upper airway irritation and fluid retention. Reducing tobacco use may help with silent sleep apnea symptoms.
• Avoiding Large Meals Right Before Bed: Eating large meals right before bed might make you uncomfortable and worsen your sleep apnea symptoms.
• Clearing Nasal Passages: Take care of any blockages or congestion in the nose. The use of saline sprays or nasal decongestants can improve airflow.

Following these adjustments can help the symptoms of silent sleep apnea considerably and occasionally wholly. However, you must speak with medical professionals to receive individualized guidance and treatment alternatives tailored to your unique situation.

Seeking Professional Assistance and Treatment Options

You must seek expert care if you believe that you or a loved one is suffering from Silent Sleep Apnea. Start by speaking with your healthcare physician, who can offer you some initial advice and possibly make a referral to a sleep specialist.

The expertise of sleep experts is assessing, diagnosing, and treating sleep problems, such as silent sleep apnea. A physical examination, a medical history and symptoms review, and sleep testing like polysomnography or at-home sleep tests are all commonly used in the diagnosis process.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres is Ontario’s only independent health facility that is accredited with Exemplary Standing. This unique achievement recognizes our commitment to providing shorter patient wait times, faster report turn-around for referring healthcare providers, and the highest standard of infection prevention, cleanliness, safety, and comfort in our facilities. Request an appointment today.

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Sleep apnea affects millions of people globally. This disorder is characterized by frequent breathing pauses or shallow breathing spells while you sleep, which can reduce the quality of your sleep and raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Understanding the many types of sleep apnea and the possible therapies to manage the condition properly is critical.

Types of Sleep Apnea

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most prevalent kind of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It happens when the throat’s muscles relax too much as you sleep, physically obstructing your airway. Breathing becomes erratic as a result of the occlusion. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment, weight control, positional therapy, and, if necessary, surgery are all possible forms of treatment for open airway disease (OSA).

The brain’s incapacity to properly communicate with the breathing muscles is known as central sleep apnea or CSA. A malfunction in the brain’s respiratory control centre causes CSA, as opposed to OSA, in which the airway is physically closed. Depending on the severity of the illness, treatment for CSA may involve treating underlying medical issues, employing Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) equipment, or giving oxygen therapy and medicines, says the National Institutes of Health.

Understanding Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea (CSA) results from an abnormality in the brain’s capacity to send the proper signals for breathing during sleep. In contrast to OSA, which is caused by a physical airway obstruction, CSA is caused by issues with the brain’s respiratory control centre. Undergoing polysomnography, a sleep study that tracks numerous parameters while you sleep, is necessary to diagnose CSA. Medication, oxygen therapy, CPAP, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), weight control, and positioning therapy are a few lifestyle modifications that can be used to treat community-associated pneumonia (CSA).

Insights into Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS)

Treatment-Emergent Central Sleep Apnea, or Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome, combines OSA and CSA symptoms. It may manifest during OSA treatment, complicating diagnosis and care. Polysomnography is frequently required to diagnose CompSAS and identify mixed apnea episode patterns. CPAP therapy may be the first course of treatment, with modifications made in response to the patient’s response. CompSAS presents particular difficulties, and successful treatment requires individualized attention.

Diagnosis and Treatment Across Types of Sleep Apnea

A comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of medical history, a physical examination, and a sleep study—often done using polysomnography—is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea. After a diagnosis, the kind of sleep apnea is determined, which helps choose the best course of action.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Changes

Even if there are sleep apnea treatment options, implementing preventive measures and lifestyle modifications can significantly enhance overall well-being and reduce symptoms. Harvard Health says these measures can include:

• The severity of sleep apnea can be lessened by following a weight-loss program and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Regularly exercising for at least half an hour improves general health and helps reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
• Maintaining a healthy diet can benefit sleep apnea therapy in addition to helping with weight management.
• It’s best to avoid alcohol and sedatives, as they relax the muscles in the throat and exacerbate sleep apnea.
• The frequency of sleep apnea episodes can be decreased by sleeping on your side rather than your back.
• Giving up smoking is crucial for lowering fluid retention and inflammation, two conditions that exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnea.

To properly manage this prevalent sleep problem, it is imperative to understand the many types of sleep apnea, their diagnosis, and available treatment choices. For those experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, early identification and professional help are crucial, even though lifestyle modifications and preventive measures are essential in mitigating symptoms. To achieve the best possible treatment outcomes and an enhanced quality of life, medical intervention is frequently necessary for primary sleep apnea, mixed sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoventilation, and sleep-related hypoxemia.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org 

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care. Request an appointment with us today.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU

 

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and is characterized by frequent disruptions in breathing during the night. If left untreated, it can result in several health issues. The severity of the illness varies, but it frequently leads to poor sleep and decreased oxygen flow to the body, which can have serious short- and long-term health effects. Because many people with sleep apnea are unaware of their breathing difficulties while they sleep, the condition frequently goes misdiagnosed.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the two leading causes of sleep apnea are either a physical blockage of the airway (obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA) or a malfunction in the brain’s communication with the breathing muscles (central sleep apnea, or CSA). Soft tissue collapse in the throat causes obstruction of airflow during sleep, whereas CSA is characterized by a lack of effort to breathe. Significant reductions in blood oxygen levels and fragmented sleep result from these disruptions.

To manage sleep apnea, awareness, and an accurate diagnosis are essential. Despite being common, many cases go undetected because people are unaware of the signs and consequences. Loud snoring, gasping for air as you sleep, headaches in the morning, and excessive daytime sleepiness are common signs. Studies have shown that sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes; therefore, it is imperative to address the condition and find an effective treatment.

Infant Sleep Apnea: Identifying Concerns

Brief breathing pauses characterize a pediatric sleep disease called infant sleep apnea while the patient is asleep. Unlike adult or geriatric sleep apnea, infant sleep apnea is frequently diagnosed based on central, obstructive, or mixed apnea episodes, says the National Institutes of Health. While obstructive apnea includes a physical restriction of airflow despite respiratory effort, central apnea arises when the brain fails to provide the proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep is less common in babies than in adults, but it is a sign that needs to be recognized to diagnose sleep apnea in newborns. Other symptoms include atypical sleeping positions, gagging or choking, frequent breathing disruptions, and difficulty breathing. Prematurity, low birth weight, or a history of respiratory issues are examples of risk factors. If these issues are identified, pediatric healthcare practitioners may suggest a polysomnography sleep study to check for sleep apnea syndrome.

Sleep apnea can affect an infant’s growth, development, and general health, so early detection and treatment are essential. In contrast to adult sleep apnea, treatment for childhood sleep apnea may involve utilizing a breathing machine at night or modifying environmental conditions. Understanding the many age groups affected by sleep apnea guarantees all-encompassing treatment and enhances the welfare of those impacted.

Pediatric Sleep Apnea: Signs and Diagnosis

Pediatric sleep apnea, which can result in various health issues different from those typical of adults or older adults, is characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. Diagnosing pediatric sleep apnea accurately and paying close attention to its distinct symptoms is essential. According to Kidshealth.org, signs of pediatric sleep apnea include the following:

• Snoring loudly and often
• Stopping breathing while sleeping
• gasping or choking during the night
• agitation when sleeping or bedwetting
• Sleepiness during the day or behavioral problems
• unusual sleeping postures, such as a stretched-out neck

Pediatric Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

A thorough medical history and physical examination are usually the first steps in the diagnosis process for youngsters. A sleep study, also referred to as an overnight polysomnography, is the usual diagnostic procedure if sleep apnea is suspected. During polysomnography, numerous bodily processes are tracked, such as heart rate, respiration rate, brain activity, sleep stages, and limb movements.

Diagnosing children’s sleep apnea may require evaluations by a multidisciplinary team of sleep medicine specialists, pediatric pulmonologists, and otolaryngologists.

While teens may develop sleep apnea, it’s vital to remember that the illness poses unique difficulties for both diagnosis and treatment. Children’s long-term health and well-being depend heavily on early diagnosis and treatment.

Sources: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ; www.mayoclinic.org ; www.sleepfoundation.org

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WELL Health Diagnostic Centres’ 40+ Ontario locations provide OHIP-covered cardiology, radiology, women’s health, telehealth, and sleep diagnostic services – with shorter wait times, faster report turn-around, and the highest standard of patient care. Request an appointment with us today.

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU