Why You Should Seek Treatment from Steven V. Richards, MD., F.A.C.S., for Your Sleep Apnea
Forty-five percent of adults snore, with 25 percent of those people snoring every night. Heavy snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which, left untreated, can lead to a host of medical issues. If you or your partner think they spot the symptoms of sleep apnea in yourself or your children, it’s important to see an ENT doctor in Oklahoma like Steven V. Richards, MD. Learn the reasons treatment is important and see how Dr. Richards can help you or your family.
Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Long-Term Health Issues
Were you aware that this sleep disorder can lead to heart problems or death? It causes high blood pressure from constricted blood vessels which in turn can create issues like heart disease, arrhythmias and heart failure. And your heart is not the only part in danger. Sleep apnea makes you more likely to die from stroke, diabetes or cancer as well. Seeking treatment with an adult or pediatric ENT doctor can save the life of any family member suffering from this serious sleep disorder.
Sleep Apnea Can Cause Complications With Medications and Surgery
It is important to get your sleep apnea diagnosed so you won’t have complications with sedatives or general anesthesia. Sedatives and narcotic analgesics can relax your upper airways making symptoms worse and sleep apnea can cause breathing issues while you are under anesthesia during surgery. Make sure your surgeon is aware that you may have a sleep disorder so they can put preventative measures in place.
Where Should You Go to Be Diagnosed?
Dr. Steven V. Richards is an ENT doctor in Oklahoma and is part of the staff at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates. He studied at the University of Oklahoma and did his Otolaryngology residency at Vanderbilt University. Besides head and neck surgery, he also handles a host of other issues such as skin cancer removal and cosmetic reconstruction, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, hearing loss problems, sinus and nasal disorders, voice and swallowing disorders, and snoring and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. He is a pediatric ENT doctor as well as working with adults, so he can see anyone in your family who has an issue. Dr. Richards has worked with OOA since 2003 and is certified by several medical associations as a qualified ENT doctor and surgeon.
Contact Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates today to schedule an appointment!
If you suspect you or a loved one has sleep apnea, it’s important to get checked out by a reputable doctor. Steven V. Richards, MD., F.A.C.S. is an excellent physician who can put you back on the road to wellness.