Describe sleep apnea
It is considered a severe medical condition in which the patient stops breathing for a few seconds while asleep. Such pause in breathing can last for ten seconds or more.
How many types of sleep apnea are there?
The Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Mixed Sleep Apnea are the three types of the disorder.
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OSA involves the blockage of the airways for ten seconds or more while the person is asleep.
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CSA has to do more with the brain’s medical condition. It happens when the brain fails to send signals to control the breathing-related muscles.
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Patients suffering from Mixed Sleep Apnea show symptoms of both, OSA and CSA.
Sleep apnea is caused by
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Age factors
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Heart disorders
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Reaction to medications
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Consumption of alcoholic products
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A narrowed airway
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Excess weight/obesity.
In kids, it can be caused due to dental conditions, a tumor in the airway, enlarged tonsils, and congenital disabilities like Down syndrome.
Sleep apnea stomach problems
Research suggests that some patients suffering from OSA often suffer from stomach cramping, bloating, and chronic diarrhea. A link has also been found between physiologic stress and OSA.
Can babies get sleep apnea?
Infants may suffer from obstructive, central, or mixed sleep apnea. However, these breathing problems can prove to be much more complicated for infants compared to adults. If left untreated, the insufficient oxygen supply can cause medical conditions like bradycardia and hypoxemia.
Sleep apnea treatment medication
The oral appliance therapy (OAT) and the use of airway pressure machines along with breathing masks are the most recommended primary treatment options. Prescribing medications is looked at as the second alternative. A physician may recommend wakefulness-promoting drugs containing modafinil, armodafinil.
The list of other prescribed medicines to offer aid in sleep includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates, melatonin receptor agonists, and non-benzodiazapine hypnotics class drugs.
Difference between sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea
The upper respiratory tract (upper airways) gets blocked for a few seconds in OSA. On the other hand, in CSA, the brain stops sending signals to breathing muscles resulting in a disruption in sleep.
Best sleeping position for sleep apnoea
Avoid lying on the back and try sleeping on your side to control sleep apnea.
Schedule in Roswell, GA
TruCare Dentistry Roswell welcomes patients from Roswell, Marietta, and East Cobb. Call (678) 321-7575 or request an appointment.
“Regular dental visits help prevent disease and catch problems early when treatment is simpler and less costly.”
“Our Roswell office is designed to provide comprehensive care under one roof — minimizing referrals and keeping treatment convenient for families in Roswell and Marietta.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea? +
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing pauses for several seconds at a time during sleep. These pauses can occur repeatedly through the night.
What are the types of sleep apnea? +
The three types are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea, which combines features of both OSA and CSA.
What is oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea? +
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) uses a custom-fitted mouth device to help keep the airway open. It is among the primary treatment options discussed for sleep-disordered breathing.
Are custom oral appliances better than over-the-counter options? +
A dentist can evaluate your airway and fit a custom oral appliance suited to your needs rather than relying on an over-the-counter device that may not fit properly.
Does TruCare offer sleep apnea appliances in Roswell? +
Yes. TruCare Dentistry Roswell provides snoreguard and sleep apnea appliances as part of our general dentistry services. Call (678) 321-7575 to discuss options.
What sleeping position may help with sleep apnea? +
Sleeping on your side rather than on your back may help reduce airway obstruction for some patients with sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Visit in Roswell, GA
Same-day emergency appointments available. Serving Roswell, Marietta, and East Cobb.