Over a quarter of professionally active Poles suffer from laryngological diseases, but every third person does not receive treatment.
Poles most often complain of problems with snoring or very dangerous night apnea (12.5%), as well as pain in the sinuses and headaches, and persistent runny nose (11.3%). We usually visit the doctor only when the symptoms become particularly troublesome. These are the most important conclusions of a survey conducted in May by PBS. Despite such troublesome ailments, only one in six people consult a doctor. According to specialists, such symptoms cannot be underestimated. - Seemingly harmless snoring is often the first symptom of a serious and increasingly common disease, which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
According to epidemiological studies of the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Warsaw, OSA may affect up to 1 million people in Poland. Sleep disordered breathing can be a source or exacerbate symptoms of existing diseases, such as arterial and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic disease and cardiac arrhythmias, but also glucose intolerance and diabetes. Half of people suffering from apnea have libido disorders. Gentlemen complain of erectile dysfunction, and ladies have a decreased sex drive.
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue translate into worse condition and serious problems with concentration. It is estimated that nearly 1/3 of patients have fallen asleep at the wheel at least once in their life, and every second person experiences sleepiness while driving a car. On the other hand, a study of truck drivers in the US showed that it happens to drivers with OBS nine times more often than other road users. According to doctors, a patient with such symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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