Sleep Apnea: Snoring Isn’t the Only Symptom

How do you know if you have sleep apnea? It’s common, with estimates suggesting that more than 20% of adults suffer from this sleep-related breathing disorder. Snoring is often assumed to be the primary sleep apnea symptom. But if you don’t snore, does that mean you’re in the clear? In today’s episode, we cover the most common signs of sleep apnea, why it leads to more than just bad sleep and how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallumExpert: Dr. Philip Pirtle, Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine SpecialistNotable topics covered:There’s more to sleep apnea than just snoring The other (potentially more common) sleep apnea symptoms How sleep apnea strains the heart, lungs and more Whether there’s a hereditary component to sleep apnea Sleep studies: What to expect and how they aid in sleep apnea diagnosis How the severity of sleep apnea is determined  High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke: The consequences of not treating sleep apnea All about CPAP machines, the best way to treat sleep apnea Dr. Pirtle’s other tips for alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.