March 10th, 2013 Veterans Four Times More Likely to Get Sleep Apnea, Study Shows
Veterans Four Times More Likely to Get Sleep Apnea, Study Shows
Ashton, MD (PRWEB) December 04, 2012
According to a recent study, “veterans are four times more likely than other Americans to suffer from sleep apnea.” Currently, about 5% of Americans have sleep apnea. That’s pretty substantial, but not nearly as much as the 20% of veterans who have sleep apnea.
People disagree on why the percentage of veterans with sleep apnea is so much higher. Some think it’s due to the greater exposure to irritants such as dust and smoke they face while serving in countries like Iraq or Afghanistan. According to Disabled American Veterans spokesman Thom Wilborn, “Give a guy a rifle and put him in a desert, and he’s going to suffer some respiratory problems.”
Another theory is that it has to do with the body type of soldiers. “Many are built like football players,” said Max Hirshkowitz, director of the Sleep Disorder Center at the Houston VA Medical Center. As these men age they put on extra weight, and obesity is one of the greatest risk factors for sleep apnea.
Yet another theory is that veterans simply have a greater awareness of sleep apnea than the general public, so they’re more likely to realize if they have it. Five years ago the Department of Veteran Affairs was asked to pay more attention to sleep apnea. Since that time, sleep apnea claims among veterans have risen 61%.
“Most likely, it’s a combination of all these things,” said Bryan Mercer, a licensed pharmacist and owner of JustNebulizers.com. “Soldiers are exposed to more respiratory irritants than the average American, they may be bigger than the average American, and when they come home veterans groups help them become better educated about sleep apnea than the average American.”
For those with sleep apnea, many treatments are available. Probably the most popular is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP therapy. CPAP machines work by blowing air down a patient’s throat so their airways remain open throughout the night. “In addition to CPAP products, there are some important lifestyle changes you can make to get better control over your sleep apnea,” said Mercer. “Diet and exercise are on the top of that list. A little weight loss can go a long way. Also, avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs that cause drowsiness as these make sleep apnea worse. Even simple things like sleeping on your side instead of your back can help keep your airways open and improve your condition.”
About JustNebulizers.com
JustNebulizers.com provides respiratory products throughout the United States for people of all ages seeking the very best breathing treatments. JustNebulizers.com understands the importance of choosing the right nebulizer equipment. That is why they provide the largest selection of the best nebulizer systems, parts, accessories, and respiratory care products as well as comprehensive and informative details about all of their products. With a wide assortment of respiratory products at the very best prices, their products fit the needs of both young and old persons who need some breathing assistance.
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