This Dentist Explains the History of Sleep Apnea in Worthington

This may be a surprising post for some of our readers, but the history of sleep apnea is actually much more interesting than you think. In fact, we’re about to dive into the past of sleep apnea and how we’ve come to our effective treatment for sleep apnea in Worthington today.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which causes pauses in breathing while your body is trying to rest. These pauses can last from just a few seconds all the way to minutes. This can be extremely dangerous to your overall health.

The History of Sleep Apnea

Interesting fact: the first noted mention of obstructive sleep apnea appeared in a work from Charles Dickens, “The Pickwick Papers.” The condition was described throughout the novel, and soon was known to be a condition called “Pickwickian” syndrome. At that time, it was only believed to affect obese patients.

Now though, we know this isn’t the only cause — although it can create a higher risk. As time kept passing, the condition finally was declared a legitimate disorder in 1965. The condition didn’t get its official name of obstructive sleep apnea until the 1900’s either.

The History of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Along with the development of sleep apnea studies, scientists and researchers alike discovered that there are substantial risk health concerns that you should seek treatment for right away.

Back in the day, medical professionals would recommend a tracheotomy right from the beginning. This was a bit excessive, but with more advancements, the first CPAP machine was developed in the 1980’s. This is much less invasive treatment than a procedure, but even still, it was intolerable for some patients.

Finally, we’ve come up with modern practices for treatments like custom oral appliances that are personalized for each patient.

Now That You Know Better, Get Treatment!

As mentioned above, sleep apnea has been found to be associated with serious health concerns like depression, extreme fatigue, hypertension, and even diabetes. The best thing you can do if you think that you have sleep apnea, you need to look for a dental professional’s assistance.

After diagnosing you, your dentist can discuss your lifestyle and needs to discover what would be the best treatment option for you.

About Our Office

Here at the office of Dr. Lawrence J. Adam, we’re dedicated to helping patients feel well rested and completely healthy. When you have sleep apnea, you may have extreme fatigue and trouble focusing on day to day tasks. Get the help you need for an improved quality of life from your local dentist here at our office. Feel free to call us today to schedule your appointment.