Symptoms and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea explained
Sleep apnea refers to a serious condition that affects many adults in the Turlock area. Patients with sleep apnea suffer “apneic episodes” in which their breathing stops for about 10 seconds or longer. These episodes can occur frequently throughout the night without the individual realizing it.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA as it is commonly referred to, is a breathing disorder that occurs when a person is asleep. It is a result of a blockage in the airways. This blockage of airflow can keep patients from reaching the state of deep, restorative sleep, which is essential to function at their best every day. It is often caused by the tongue falling back into the throat, excess fat in the neck, or a misaligned jaw. Apart from the obvious results of this condition such as feelings of tiredness throughout the day, obstructive sleep apnea also puts patients at risk for a variety of other issues which may include:
- Poor memory and concentration
- Daytime headaches
- Moodiness
In many cases, people with sleep apnea first find out about this condition from their partner. They’ll hear complaints about their excessive snoring and may never realize that it’s more than an annoying habit. If you have been told about your excessive snoring by your partner, it’s important to have it evaluated by a qualified and experienced physician, because it can be a symptom of a more serious condition.
But how do I know when my snoring is a sign of a health condition?
Patients with sleep apnea will often experience other symptoms in addition to the snoring. Since airflow is paused during an apneic episode, the partner may notice the person gasping for air when normal breathing resumes. Other symptoms include daytime sleepiness, depression, irritability, anxiety and disorientation.
Patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may be looking for effective treatments to give them relief once and for all. In many cases, a physician will have patients participate in a sleep study. They spend the night at the sleep clinic and are monitored throughout the evening to check their breathing, heart rate and other vital signs. These tests allow a medical professional to properly diagnose the condition.
Turlock Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatments
The standard for sleep apnea treatment has long been the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. While the machine is very effective, it has a low compliance rate because of its bulkiness, discomfort, and the inconvenience it poses to the patient using the machine. Most people cannot rest comfortably next to a noisy machine while wearing a face mask. Plus, patients may develop nasal congestion; dry nose, throat, and lips; or skin irritation. Even the latest-generation CPAP machines are awkward to be taken with a patient when traveling.
An alternative to CPAP is oral appliance therapy from your Turlock dentist. This appliance is much smaller, about the size of a sports mouth guard. It is designed to hold your mouth open a little and keep the lower jaw slightly forward to maintain an open airway. Most patients adapt quickly to putting it in when they go to bed and wearing it through the night. The appliance is discreet, and easy to tuck into your handbag or pocket in its own carrying case.
Treating sleep apnea with your dentist
If you are tired of feeling like you haven’t gotten enough sleep all the time, call us on (209) 666-8867 to learn more about sleep apnea and discover if you are a suitable candidate for oral appliance therapy.
At the practice of Dr. Ramsin Davoud, patients in the Turlock, CA area have access to solutions for obstructive sleep apnea other than the unpopular CPAP machine. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA, contact Dr. Ramsin Davoud today to schedule a consultation appointment and discuss the advantages of using oral appliance therapy.
His practice is located at 1840 N. Olive Ave suite #2 and welcomes new patients. Schedule an appointment to learn more about this sleeping disorder and the many rehabilitative solutions available at his dental office.
