Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous condition that can significantly impact a patient's health. It occurs when a patient's breathing frequently stops and restarts during sleep.
Loud snoring is a frequently observed symptom of sleep apnea, but it may not always be present. This blog describes the symptoms of sleep apnea and answers patients' questions about this disorder.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea has many potential warning signs. Patients may have only one symptom or several:
- Loud snoring that disturbs bed partners or family members
- Choking or gasping sounds during sleep
- Observed episodes of paused breathing during sleep
- Dry mouth that could cause bad breath
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Daytime fatigue
- Mood changes
- Intimacy issues
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes intermittently blocked during sleep. Excess throat tissue, a large tongue or tonsils, a small jaw, or excess body weight can cause it.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is less prevalent than obstructive sleep apnea but has similar symptoms. It occurs when the brain does not send regular signals to the muscles controlling breathing.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
In the past, diagnosing sleep apnea required a visit to a sleep laboratory. Today, however, a simple at-home test is often enough to diagnose the condition.
Treatment of Sleep Apnea
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are a popular choice for sleep apnea patients. However, many patients find them extremely difficult to tolerate since they are bulky, noisy, and have uncomfortable masks.
Sleep dentistry is a growing field that provides new treatment methods for this disorder. As an alternative to CPAP, we offer non-invasive oral appliance therapy. Our custom-made appliances fit over your teeth, gently positioning your jaw forward and preventing your airway from collapsing during sleep. These appliances fit comfortably and enable normal, natural sleep without the noise, expense, and hassle of a CPAP machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea?
This condition has several common risk factors:
- Men have a higher risk than women
- Aged 40 and older are most at risk, but patients of any age can develop the condition
- Higher BMI or obesity
- Many patients do not have any obvious risk factors
What happens if I do not receive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea can cause or exacerbate many medical conditions. Researchers link this condition to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic headaches. Dry mouth can also result in poor oral health. Over time, the damage to your bodily systems becomes cumulative. Receiving prompt treatment is crucial to your good health.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
If you have any symptoms that could indicate sleep apnea, receiving treatment can help protect your health. Please call our Suwanee, GA, office at 678-714-2380 to schedule an appointment today.