Sleep Apnea Increases Risk of Cancer

Obstructive sleep apnea has been getting accused of causing all sorts of medical problems including hypertension, stroke, heart disease, heart attacks, peripheral vascular disease, etc. We can also add cancer now. According to Australian researchers , moderate to severe sleep apnea increases the risk of cancer by 2.5 times and death from cancer by 3.4 times. They also reported that sleep apnea increases risk of death (any cause) by 4.2x and stroke by 3.7x. This conclusion was reached eva…

4/22/2014 0

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Chin Strap May Help with Snoring

There is a relatively simple (and cheap) device that  may help some people who snore called a chin strap . This lowly, humble, and low-tech device may benefit patients who typically snore when: 1) Lays on back, but not on side 2) Mouth-breathes when sleeping (but suffers no nasal obstruction ) 3) Does not suffer from severe obstructive sleep apnea 4) Appears to be "slack-jawed" when sleeping (chin pushed back relative to upper jaw creating a pseudo-overjet dental appearance…

2/12/2014 1

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Infographic on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Check out this great infographic by Aviisha Medical Institute (generated from information by PubMed.gov, Medscape, and BioMed Central) on the numerous adverse consequences that can arise from the onset of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). [Thanks to @ hobsonent who brought it to my attention.] Here's another one regarding how important sleep is:

3/31/2013 0

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Snoring is Bad for the Heart? Not so fast...

This past week, media has both aired and published a story regarding new research that suggests snoring WITHOUT obstructive sleep apnea may lead to potential increased risk of heart disease as well as stroke. Apparently, researchers in Michigan examined the data of 913 patients between the ages of 18 and 50 who had undergone a sleep study between 2006 and 2012. None had been diagnosed with sleep apnea , but did have significant snoring . These patients underwent an ultrasound that mea…

1/27/2013 1

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CPAP + Oral Appliance (All-In-One) Device for OSA

A dentist colleague of mine informed me of a new device that combines CPAP mask with an oral appliance for patients with obstructive sleep apnea ( CPAP Pro + Mandibular Advancement ). The unique benefits of this combo device are several-fold: • No straps • Keeps mouth closed • Addresses tongue collapse that obstruct the airway by bringing jaw forward • Can sleep in any position This device does need to be fitted by a dentist. (For Virginia residents, Dr. Jason Woodside is familiar…

8/17/2012 0

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Sleep Apnea Surgery Malpractice Lawsuit

In November 2009, a patient underwent multi-level surgery to treat her mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea by a Houston, TX otolaryngologist. The surgery included: • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) • Tonsillectomy (typically considered part of UPPP) • Adenoidectomy • Hyoid Myotomy • Genioglossus Advancement She unfortunately experienced some unspecified complications stemming from this surgery which apparently has not helped with her obstructive sleep apnea either. A malpractic…

1/24/2012 2

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