What is the treatment for sleep apnea?

If you suffer from Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea, you may have symptoms that should never be ignored. Many patients have repeated interrupted sleep where they snore loudly or even gasp for air while breathing. Seeing professional help is always a good idea and highly recommended. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the tissue in your throat relaxes and causes your airway to be blocked.

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is very similar to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With UARS, the soft tissue in the throat relaxes and reduces the size of the airway, causing problems with breathing. UARS is not as severe as obstructive sleep apnea, but still does affect a patient’s breathing and sleep.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea:

• A CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure device may be recommended. This device fits over the patient’s nose and mouth, and gently blows air into their airway. This helps keep the airway open during sleep. This method can be cumbersome, but it is effective.
• If your condition is severe, surgery may be recommended. The surgery would eliminate any extra tissue in the patient’s throat, and prevent the throat from collapsing during sleep.
• Changing your lifestyle habits including how often you exercise and what you eat can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Also, we recommend avoiding smoking and alcohol as this can contribute to OSA.
• Changing the position while you sleep may be recommended, and can help with symptoms of sleep apnea.

Treatment for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS):

• A CPAP machine can also be used to treat UARS and help patients sleep and breathe more easily at night.
• Treating allergies can help alleviate symptoms of UARS.
• Changing your lifestyle habits and losing weight can help treat UARS.
• If a child has been diagnosed with UARS, surgery may be recommended to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids. This helps with breathing and allows the child to sleep throughout the night.

If you are interested in finding out more about treatment for sleep apnea or UARS, contact Smile Design Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your appointment.