Obstructive sleep apnea, also referred to as OSA is a potentially dangerous condition that causes a person to wake up gasping for breath. Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can cause someone to wake as much as 30 times an hour gasping for breath.

What is OSA?

Obstructive sleep apnea can happen to anyone. Even children can experience mild forms of the disorder, especially if they still have their tonsils and adenoids.

OSA causes the throat to relax, while sleeping, so much so that breathing is a problem. If you suffer, your brain will wake you up forcing you to take a breath.

While there is no single cause for obstructive sleep apnea, researchers believe the following people have a higher risk:

• Older people
• Men
• People with a large neck size
• Women who are post-menopausal
• People who are overweight
• People who still have tonsils and adenoids
• Smokers
• People who consume alcohol on a regular basis
• High blood pressure
• Narrowed airway
• Nasal congestion
• Family history
• Asthma
• Certain medications

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risks

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, a preferred oral appliance therapy provider for OSA, the disorder can bring complications that in some cases could be fatal.

Complications Include:

• Daytime fatigue
• Cardiovascular problems
• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Complications with surgery and certain medications
• Eye problems

OSA Symptoms

• Daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Breathing cessation
• Waking up choking or gasping
• Morning headaches
• Waking with sore throat or dry mouth
• Problems with concentration
• Depression
• Irritability
• High blood pressure
• Low libido
• Night sweats

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Lifestyle changes can dramatically improve obstructive sleep apnea. Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills recommends that you quit smoking, slow down your alcohol use, and lose weight. Avoid sedatives and stop sleeping on your back. Regular exercise can also lessen your OSA episodes.

If you don’t see results from the above talk to Dr. Jack Ringer about oral appliance therapy. A wonderful alternative to CPAP therapy, oral appliances are custom made, fit in the palm of your hand and are much more comfortable than CPAP machines.

For more information regarding oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in Orange County, call and schedule a no obligation consultation with Dr. Ringer today.