Obstructive Sleep Apnea What You Need to Know

OSA or Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a disorder that affects people of all ages. Even children can suffer from OSA. However, obstructive sleep apnea symptoms usually disappear as the child ages. Tonsils and adenoids are a major problem and when removed can help with OSA symptoms.

What is OSA?

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, past president, an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and preferred provider of oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, OSA is a disorder that causes a person’s throat to relax while sleeping. So much so that the person suffering can stop breathing as many as thirty times every hour. Because you aren’t breathing, your brain wakes you up.

Unfortunately, most are unaware of the episodes because they happen so quickly. People who sleep alone are usually the ones left in the dark, as they have no one to witness the OSA signs and symptoms.

Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Although one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is loud and heavy snoring, not all people who snore have OSA. Snoring becomes a symptom when followed by gasping or choking signs or cessation in breathing. Other signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
• Constant Fatigue
• Breathing Cessation
• Gasping or Choking Sounds
• Insomnia
• Morning Headaches
• Nocturia
• Decrease in Libido
• Dry Mouth
• Memory Loss
• Feeling Unrefreshed When You Wake
• Irritability
• Heartburn
• Erectile Dysfunction

According to your oral appliance therapy provider in Anaheim Hills, you may be at risk for obstructive sleep apnea if you:

• Are Male
• Are Obese
• Have a Large Neck Size
• Middle Aged
• Smoke
• Have a Family History of OSA
• High Blood Pressure
• Are Menopausal or Postmenopausal

Sleep apnea is life threatening as it can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. People with OSA also have a higher risk of car accidents as they often fall asleep at the wheel.

Dr. Ringer recommends that you try changing your lifestyle as the following alterations can help with obstructive sleep apnea.

• Stop Smoking
• Quit Drinking Alcohol
• Lose Weight

Your OSA oral appliance provider in Orange County also recommends that you try sleeping on your side.

Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

CPAP Therapy

The most popular treatment option for OSA is called CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. CPAP therapy works by keeping the airways open with positive air pressure through a hose and mask. If you follow Dr. Ringers Blog, you will know that the majority of CPAP users abandon the device before any lasting benefits are achieved.

Surgery

Your sleep specialist may also recommend surgery to widen your airways, remove excess tissue or recommend tonsil and adenoids removal.

Oral Appliance Therapy

As a preferred oral appliance therapy specialist in Anaheim Hills, Dr. Ringer provides custom-made oral appliances for people suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy works as it holds your jaw forward while you sleep helping keep your airways open.

Don’t Risk OSA

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering, schedule a consultation with your primary care physician who can refer you to a sleep specialist. Once you have been diagnosed schedule an appointment with Dr. Jack Ringer for oral appliance therapy. It’s much more comfortable than a CPAP or surgery and actually works.

Call for a no obligation oral appliance therapy consultation with Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills today.