- OSA is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep
- Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs
- Sleep patterns are disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day and can ultimately lead to serious problems
- Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated
- Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as the soft palate or large tonsils
- Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open
- The tongue falling back and closing the airway
- Snoring, interrupted by pauses in breathing
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Sexual dysfunction
- Poor judgement or concentration
- Irritability
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Morning headaches
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
- Oral appliances
- Surgical intervention
- Any treatment should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics
- CPAP treats OSA by providing a flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep
- An oral (or dental) appliance is a small device that is very similar to an orthodontic retainer. It is worn in the mouth while sleeping to help prevent soft throat tissue from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some of the devices hold the lower jaw forward during sleep, while other appliances directly affect tongue position
- Increased risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
- Decreased quality of life
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-altering and life-threatening condition that is easily identified and effectively treated.
Tagawa & Curtis Orthodontics - www.breasmiles.com - 714.990.5414
