Snoring is no laughing matter. While loud disruptive snoring that at best may strain relationships, for many men, women and even children, loud habitual snoring may signal a potentially life threatening disorder: obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
Identifying and Treating OSA
Unlike simple snoring, obstructive sleep apnea could be a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.
During sleep, the upper airway can be obstructed, causing snoring.
The cessation of breathing, or "apnea," causes the brain to awaken the person just enough to restart breathing. This cycle repeats itself many times during the night and may result in sleep deprivation and health-related problems. Sleep apnea is generally defined as the presence of more than 30 apneas during a seven hour sleep.
If you exhibit several OSA symptoms, it's important you visit a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea for an accurate diagnosis.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively treated. Depending on whether your OSA is mild, moderate or severe, your doctor will select the treatment that is best for you.
Oral Appliances - If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, or are unable to use CPAP, an oral appliance can be an effective first-line therapy. The oral appliance is a molded device that is placed in the mouth at night to hold the lower jaw and bring the tongue forward. By bringing the jaw forward, the appliance elevates the soft palate or retains the tongue to keep it from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing. Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate OSA who prefer oral appliances, who do not respond to C-PAP, or who fail treatment attempts with C-PAP or behavioral changes.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) - CPAP devices are an effective treatment for patients with moderate OSA and the first-line treatment for those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. Through a specially fitted mask that fits over the patient's nose, the C-PAP's constant, prescribed flow of pressured air prevents the airway or throat from collapsing.
While C-PAP devices keep the throat open and prevent snoring and interruptions in breathing, they only treat your condition and do not cure it. If you stop using the C-PAP, your symptoms will return. Although C-PAP is often the first treatments of choice, they may be difficult for some patients to accept and use.
Talk With Your Doctor
Sleep apnea is a serious condition and individuals with OSA may not be aware they have a problem. If someone close to you has spoken of your loud snoring and has noticed that you often wake up abruptly, gasping for air, contact Oyster Point Dentistry.
Excerpts - AAOMS
