1583 Common Street | New Braunfels, TX 78130 | (830) 387-2852

Sleep Apnea Causes

Sleep apnea is a condition that can have a profound effect on your quality of life. Although many people are affected, the negative impacts often go untreated or are thought to be a result of other disorders. Treatment for sleep apnea is available, and can improve the quality of sleep you experience. Dr. Todd Smith and Dr. Michael Cole provide sleep apnea treatment in the New Braunfels, TX area.Missing one good night of sleep may not affect you on a long-term basis, but a deficit of several nights or more of quality, sound sleep can have a cumulative effect on your general health. It is important to determine the cause(s) of your sleep apnea once diagnosed so that you may try to mitigate any circumstances that are propagating the presence of this condition. Visit Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole to find an appropriate cure for sleep apnea.

There are two types of sleep apnea that can occur: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is a result of the tissues located in the back of the throat becoming, relaxed and then compressed, resulting in an obstructed airway. This can restrict your breathing and even cause you to stop breathing for a brief period of time. In turn, you may make a snorting noise as you begin to breathe regularly again. There is a cure for sleep apnea, however. A dental device can be custom-fit for your mouth, which reduces the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea occurring. This is the type of sleep apnea treatment in New Braunfels, TX available through Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole.
  • Central sleep apnea is more difficult to treat can also have more serious consequences. This disorder occurs when the brain neglects to send signals to the muscles that control your breathing, leading to episodic shallow breathes or even cessation of breathing. Unfortunately, this form of sleep apnea is often caused by heart failure, or even a stroke. Central sleep apnea must be treated by a specialist, such as a cardiologist or neurologist.

If you believe that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and are seeking a cure for sleep apnea in New Braunfels, TX, contact Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole today to schedule an appointment for your consultation.