Sleep apnea is a common medical condition. Some even believe that it is more common than many believe to be the case. This is likely contributed to the fact that there are many undiagnosed cases of sleep apnea. Two to four percent of all Americans have an undiagnosed case of sleep apnea. This accounts for approximately one in 50 individuals being undiagnosed. How can sleep apnea become more of a widely recognized medical condition? How can you protect yourself from the negative consequences of a potential undiagnosed case of sleep apnea?
Raise awareness
Raising awareness is important in increasing knowledge and understanding of a medical condition. Because many people are unaware of what sleep apnea is, many people do not realize that they could be suffering from it. Not only does this prevent a good night of sleep, but it also prevents the person from getting the CPAP machine and supplies they require, which could potentially be life saving. People that have an untreated case of sleep apnea face a risk of stroke that is four times as likely as those who are not afflicted.
Keep regular physician appointments
The majority of Americans never see their physician, unless they feel ill or they are injured. Although extensive medical care is not needed regularly, regular visits are important for monitoring purposes. Your physician cannot recommend a used CPAP machine for sale if they are not aware of your sleep apnea symptoms. They cannot fit you for a minimal contact full face mask without knowing that a used CPAP machine for sale will benefit you. Additionally, sleep apnea, when left untreated, affects many other parts of the body. Regular physician checkups are important in monitoring these.
Consider co occurring medical conditions
Because many patients see multiple physicians for different medical conditions, they are never thought of as a whole. In many cases, medical conditions that produce entirely different symptoms are related. One can cause another one. Always consider your co occurring medical conditions. Even if you see a specialist for your asthma, for example, consider the relationship between asthma and sleep apnea with your regular physician. The relationship between asthma and sleep apnea are actually quite common. In a study, asthma patients faced an almost 40% greater risk for sleep apnea than asthma free participants. Asthma patients are more likely to benefit from CPAP supplies, like a used CPAP machine for sale.
Evaluate life saving equipment
The two most common types of sleep apnea treatment include CPAP and BIPAP machines. BIPAP vs CPAP carry different advantages and disadvantages and should be carefully researched. You can work with your physician on the right type of equipment for your specific sleep apnea symptoms. You will also want to fact in comfort and your ability to use the CPAP machine supplies on a nightly basis. A used CPAP machine for sale is a great way to save a couple of dollars while you figure out which one works best for you.
Remain consistent
Whichever type of sleep apnea machine you choose, it is important to remain consistent with usage. While many patients with sleep apnea initially try out either a BIPAP or CPAP machine, most do not continue. They find them to be uncomfortable. Not using the machine on a daily basis, however, can be very dangerous and can lead to further medical conditions. If your insurance provider covered the cost of the machine, you may even be required to use it every night.
There are many Americans who suffer with sleep apnea. There are many more Americans who showcase the symptoms of sleep apnea, but are unaware of the medical condition. Raising awareness is important in increasing the knowledge and information available about sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea symptoms, you will want to visit with your physician regularly for routine checkups, test out different BIPAP and CPAP machines, and consistently use one during sleep. Protection is a priority when it comes to dealing with sleep apnea symptoms.