Obstructive sleep apnoea is where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, resulting in repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the throat and causing breathing to stop or reduce.
Daytime tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnoea that pharmacist Clint Flanigan sees presented to him at Moama Village Pharmacy.
“Daytime fatigue has the most impact on people’s lives than other symptoms,” he said.
“It has a flow-on effect and there’s an increased chance of being involved in motor vehicle car accidents if you have sleep apnoea that’s left untreated.”
Other symptoms of sleep apnoea can include snoring, increased blood pressure and increased blood sugar levels.
Among other factors, this is an issue that’s more common in men than women, Mr Flanigan explained.
"There’s an increase for sleep apnoea in people that have an increase in weight and obesity, especially for people that carry weight around their stomach and neck.
“The other one is there is an increase in apnoea for people who have pre-existing diabetes and difficult-to-control high blood pressure.“
Though the prospect of having sleep apnoea may seem daunting, there is a solution and Moama Village Pharmacy offers it.
The pharmacy offers the most common form of treatment, which is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine — it delivers pressurised air through the nose and/or mouth in the form of a mask, opening up the airways.
Through a partnership with Air Liquide Healthcare, Moama Village Pharmacy offers 30 per cent off the recommended retail price for most CPAP machines and masks, and offers a 30-day trial period.
The trial period costs $250, which covers machine hire, appointments and unlimited mask hire.
If you’re experiencing daytime fatigue or any other symptoms of sleep apnoea, talk to Clint Flanigan and the team at Moama Village Pharmacy, 2 Perricoota Rd, Moama or phone on 5480 9555.
For more information on sleep apnoea and services, visit: www.moamapharmacy.com.au
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