Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is characterized by repeated obstruction of the airway during sleep. This happens as the soft tissue at the back of our throat becomes relaxed and blocks the airway. Snoring is one of the signs of OSA but is not indicative of the disorder.
The management of OSA is multidisciplinary in nature and may involve specialists such as otolaryngology to dental specialties such as oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
- Morning headaches
- Restlessness during sleep
- Snoring
- Trouble getting up in the mornings
- High blood pressure
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- Decreased libido
Risk Factors
Factors that put you at increased risk are:
- Being Male
- Older age
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Asthma
- Smoke
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Large or thick neck
- Have a large tongue
Diagnosis
You may be referred to a sleep disorders clinic for a comprehensive evaluation of your problem. We work closely with our Otolaryngologists to diagnose and treat this disorder. Examinations there may include a visual check of your nose and the back of your throat and a sleep study.
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study or polysomnogram (PSG) is an overnight non-invasive diagnostic test performed in a sleep laboratory. During the stay, your sleep pattern and body vitals will be monitored. Based on the data collected, a report determining your severity of OSA will be generated.
Treatment
Treatments for OSA include:
- Weight loss
- Not drinking alcohol or taking sleeping pills
- Sleeping on your side
- Nasal sprays
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
- Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
- Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)
CPAP machine
These machines are the most effective way to treat OSA but require nightly usage. Prescribed by a sleep physician, these machines use a mask that fits over your nose, or nose and mouth. It blows air at a pressure that helps you breathe during sleep.
Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
This is a thicker version of the mouth guard that athletes wear. Rather than passively sitting, the MAD protrudes the lower jaw forward, thereby widening the airway. The MAD clips onto the upper and lower teeth and cannot be applied if the teeth are not able to support this device.
Orthognathic Surgery
Jaw surgery to advance both the upper and lower jaws and chin can be performed in severe cases. Your doctor moves your jawbone and face bones forward to make more room in the back of your throat. These procedures are usually done when other treatments fail to improve the OSA condition.