Weight only one reason for apnea

Q: I have heard more people are finding out they have sleep apnea. Is obesity the only cause or are there other reasons people develop this problem?

A: Sleep apnea is more common in males and post-menopausal women and the risk increases with age. As we get older, even very thin people are at increased risk for sleep apnea. Smoking also can contribute.

Some people are more predisposed because of their anatomy. For example, those with large tongues and soft palates, smaller jaws and large tonsils might be at greater risk.

There also are many illnesses associated with sleep apnea including high-blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and heart disease. But whether these cause sleep apnea is unclear.

Q: My daughter has a below-average normal body temperature, usually around 97 degrees. Her doctor has said it’s not a problem, but we have wondered how many people have a similar situation and why it happens.

A: There is a wide range of body temperatures that are considered normal, and temperature varies from place to place on the body.

Body temperature can fluctuate by as much as 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit in normal, healthy individuals. It is lowest in the early morning and rises throughout the day, depending on your activity level.

Sources: Dr. Aneesa Das, Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center; Dr. Kevin Frey, OhioHealth’s Millhon Clinic