Sleep Apnea

If you snore… you may have a much bigger problem, called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea affects more than 15 million people – and millions more are undiagnosed.  This is a serious medical issue; sufferers actually stop breathing when they sleep.  50% of people who snore do have Sleep Apnea, and it’s no laughing matter!

Our goal at Kilgore’s Respiratory Center is to educate are residents about Sleep Apnea, snoring, and other medical problems that may affect breathing – and then supply the medical equipment to alleviate these problems.

What Causes Snoring?

You snore when the flow of air from your mouth or nose to your lungs makes the tissues of the airway vibrate, typically as your throat relaxes during sleep. This usually is caused by a blockage (obstruction) or narrowing in the nose, mouth, or throat (airway).

When this blockage causes you to stop breathing, it’s called Sleep Apnea, which leads to decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep.

When Sleep Apnea is left untreated, you may develop hypertension, stroke, daytime sleepiness, depression, headaches, forgetfulness, fatigue, memory loss and diabetes.  If you snore and have any of these conditions, be sure to mention it to your doctor.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

A sleep study (polysomnogram) in a qualified sleep lab is the best way to diagnose Sleep Apnea.  This is a test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings are analyzed by a qualified sleep specialist to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea or another type of sleep disorder.  Contact us for a SLEEP SCREENING.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Someone who is diagnosed with Sleep Apnea is typically prescribed a CPAP Machine, which increases the airflow to your lungs, keeping the airway open and allowing the patient to breathe evenly and sleep more peacefully. The machine provides a constant airflow, keeping the oxygen level and heart rate within normal range.  Patients snore less, sleep better and wake feeling rested and alert.

Kilgore’s Respiratory Center offers all the equipment you’ll need to manage respiratory problems such as Sleep Apnea, from CPAP machines and equipment to oxygen, nebulizers and many other accessories.

We offer SLEEP SCREENINGS as well as CPAP Equipment and Supplies!