June 16th, 2011
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Author: Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a potentially life-threatening condition. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during the night as walls of soft tissue at the back of the mouth relax, blocking the airway to the lungs. Sleep patterns are disturbed, often leading to daytime symptoms such as irritability, fatigue and headaches. Untreated OSA has been linked to brain impairment and heart disease. Fortunately there are several treatment options available for sleep apnea Monmouth.
People can be unaware that they have OSA since the most telling symptoms occur when they are sleeping. Spouses are often the first to notice since the condition is frequently accompanied by noisy and persistent snoring. Several times during the night, the sufferer’s breathing will stop for ten or more seconds. They will often make a snorting or choking noise before normal breathing resumes.
During each OSA episode the lungs are deprived of air. As a consequence, blood oxygen levels are reduced. The heart responds by pumping harder, leading to an increase in blood pressure. The brain may be temporarily starved of oxygen while breathing is paused. This chain of events puts those with OSA at higher risk for arrhythmia, heart failure, memory loss and stroke.
Many mild cases of OSA can sometimes be alleviated with lifestyle changes. Obesity increases soft tissue around the airway and poor muscle tone makes it more likely to obstruct breathing. Alcohol or sedatives may also be responsible for overly relaxed throat tissues. A fit and sober OSA sufferer may find relief by sleeping with the upper body propped up on a cushion.
People who suffer from moderate OSA are candidates for oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is similar to an orthodontic retainer. It is custom made for an individual by a specially trained dentist. Worn overnight, it holds the jaw in a position that ensures an open airway at the back of the throat.
For many chronic cases of OSA, the recommended treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP. Each night, an air mask over the patient’s face is connected to an air pump. Air pressure aimed at the back of the throat ensures that the airway stays clear. It generally takes patients a few weeks to get used to sleeping with the equipment.
In some severe cases, surgical treatment is an option for permanent relief of OSA symptoms. A head and neck surgeon, or otolaryngologist, may be able to widen the airway by tightening up the surrounding tissue or by pulling the tongue forward. Another option is maxillomandibular advancement, a procedure in which the bones of the face are repositioned.
If you think you may suffer from OSA, it’s important to seek help before complications arise. Sleep apnea Monmouth can be diagnosed at either a sleep disorder center or an ear, nose and throat clinic. After assessing your condition, a doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate forms of treatment.
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