Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of breathing interruption. They occur many times throughout the sleep cycle and you may not realize that you have difficulty breathing. Most often, it is witnessed by other individuals. The only true diagnosis of sleep apnea is done through a sleep study, and any airway obstruction is a reason to schedule a sleep study.
Sleep Apnea Types
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by an obstruction that blocks the airway. Usually the individual will continue to attempt to breathe, and then progress to snoring and gasping for air.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is much less common than OSA. It occurs when the brain delays the signal to breathe, usually due to a heart attack or high blood pressure. This type of apnea is characterized by a pause in breathing for a few moments at a time.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea is when an individual has both OSA and CSA symptoms.
Populations at Risk
Individuals with a neck size greater than a size 17 are at higher risk, due to decreased airway size. Other risk factors include: past family history of apnea, excess weight, recessed chin, or being of the male sex.
Adults
The most common adult individual with sleep apnea is obese, with particular heaviness in the face and neck. The most common symptom of sleep apnea is daytime sleepiness, which may be so severe that the person will fall asleep for brief moments during regular daytime activities.
Common Signs and Symptoms
- Loud snoring followed by silence and gasping
- Trouble concentrating
- Constant headaches
- Moodiness
- Behavior changes
- Heavy sweating at night
- Bedwetting
- Increased urination
- Depression
The most serious and destructive complication of sleep apnea is increased blood pressure in the right side of the heart. This can eventually lead to a very serious form of congestive heart failure.
Physical intervention
The most common physical intervention is a positive airway pressure machine. This machine has a mask that is placed over the nose and mouth, and a continuous stream of positive air relaxes the airway.
There are a few variations of this machine:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) - produces a constant pressurized air stream. This is the most common treatment for sleep apnea.
- Variable Positive Airway Pressure (VPAP) - uses an electronic current to create two differing pressures, one pressure for inhalation and one for exhalation.
- Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) - uses pressure sensors to monitor the patient's breathing, and continually changes in pressure to accommodate it.
A more "user-friendly" physical intervention is the Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS). This device is created by your dentist and it lowers and advances the lower jaw to create more airway space. It is not as effective as a sleep apnea machine, but does relieve mild apnea symptoms, and is commonly prescribed for them.
Sleep Apnea is a dangerous condition and we have helped to alleviate its symptoms in many of our patients in the Lansing area.
Surgical intervention
Surgical intervention is used only in extreme cases, after more conservative treatments have been tried.
Some examples are:
- Tonsil removal
- Reduction of the soft palate
- Reduction of the tongue
- Nasal surgery
- Hyoid suspension
Most doctors favor a sleep apnea machine over surgical intervention.
Health Conditions Related to Sleep Apnea
There are many conditions arising out of sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. The most devastating are those that occur because of diminished oxygen to the brain.
OSA and mixed sleep apnea can be directly related to your dental health because they are caused by airway obstruction to the mouth and throat. Because of this, many dentists open practices dedicated to treating OSA with dental appliances and jaw adjustment devices. These devices work by bringing the jaw forward during sleep so the air passage remains open.
" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "
If you suffer from sleep apnea and are located in the Lansing, Michigan area, you should contact us today. There are many ways that Dr. DiStefano and Dr. Nguyen can help diagnose and treat this condition so you don't have to suffer from the symptoms any longer. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation!
