Oral appliances can tackle sleep apnea
dubai — Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients have times during sleep in which air cannot flow normally into the lungs, according to Dr Sherif Mohamed Fekry, Pulmonary Disease, Specialist Internal Medicine, Zulekha Hospital, Dubai.
It is usually caused by the collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat and tongue during sleep and cause you to wake up from a sound sleep, he adds.
OSA is more common in men, women after menopause and people above the age of 65. OSA can occur in people who have large tonsils or adenoids. It also runs in families and in people with certain types of jaw problems where they will have difficulty in keeping the back of their throat open.
OSA is diagnosed by a sleep study. A sleep study is generally done at a sleep center where you will be scheduled to sleep overnight. During this time, your breathing, heart rate, sleep state and oxygen levels will be monitored.
It can be effectively treated and there are a number of ways to do so. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the reason for and severity of the sleep apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common device ordered to treat most condi- tions of OSA. CPAP is delivered by a compressor that blows air (with or without oxygen) into a mask that is worn snugly over the nose and or mouth during sleep. The flow of air acts like a splint to keep the upper airway from collapsing. The air pressure is adjusted to a setting that best controls the apnea and snoring.
The type of device or surgery will depend on what is the cause of it. Most oral devices work by either bringing the jaw forward or keeping the tongue from blocking the throat. Oral appliances are most likely to help a person who has mild sleep apnea and who is not overweight.
When the tonsils or adenoids are causing the throat to be blocked, a tonsillectomy may be recommended. Surgery may also be helpful for patients with jaw problems.
Common symptoms you may have during sleep:
Snoring that is usually loud Gasping or choking sounds Breathing pauses Sudden or jerky body movements Restless tossing and turning Frequent awakenings from sleep
Common symptoms you may have while awake:
Unrefreshing sleep Morning headache Dry or sore throat in the morning Sleepiness during the day Fatigue or tiredness through the day Personality changes, such as mood Problems with poor memory or inability to concentrate