Respiratory Therapist

Danhauer's Board Certified Respiratory Therapist and quality technicians are committed to providing superior service to patients in Owensboro, Kentucky and its surrounding counties as well as Southern Indiana. Offering oxygen delivery and Nebulizer & Aerosol Services with patient education and training available at initial treatment.

Owensboro Respiratory Therapist

Sarah's Corner Q & A:

What is Sleep Apnea?

Snoring and sleep apnea are common sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) problems that can affect your sleep, health and quality of life. Approximately one in every five adults1 has SDB.

Up to 80% of these are unaware of their condition and remain undiagnosed and untreated. Snoring and sleep apnea often occur together.

Your airway may:

•Narrow, limiting airflow as you breathe
•Vibrate, commonly heard as snoring
•Collapse, so you stop breathing

This third type of change is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is the most common type of SDB and each incident may last for 10 seconds or longer.

Symptoms from lack of sleep are often what prompt people with OSA to visit their doctor.

These may include:

•Excessive daytime sleepiness
•Poor concentration
•Poor memory
•Depression

CPAP

CPAP (pronounced "see-pap")

•Is short for "continuous positive airway pressure"
•Positive airway pressure therapy is the most effective noninvasive treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

How does CPAP therapy work?

Air is pushed from the flow generator through the tubing and mask, the air then passes through the nose and into the throat, where the slight pressure keeps the upper airway open.

The low air pressure does not interfere with breathing - though some people need a few nights to get used to the sensation of positive airflow.

Beginning CPAP Treatment

The proper treatment pressure, a comfortable system, and good education often mean the difference between success and failure for CPAP users.

Treatment success means sleeping better and getting more enjoyment out of waking hours. It can also mean lowering blood pressure and resolving OSA symptoms.

Successful CPAP users report improvements in:

•Vitality and motivation
•Job performance
•Mood
•Sexual drive and performance
•Alertness while driving
•Quality of life
•Quality of sleep

A failure to use CPAP therapy may increase your risk for conditions linked to untreated OSA:

•Hypertension (OSA increases your risk of hypertension by up to five times)
•Stroke
•Congestive heart failure (CHF)