Sleep Apnea
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.
To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight. The interpretation of the sleep study and the diagnosis must be made by a qualified physician
OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are several treatment options available. Treatment may consist of using an oral device worn at night in order to maintain an open airway while you sleep. A nasal CPAP machine can also be prescribed, which delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. There are also many surgeries performed to attempt to help with sleep apnea. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures are usually performed by an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor. In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is usually done in the hospital under general anesthesia and are usually performed by an Oral Surgeon. A newer surgical procedure being performed now, is an implantable device, like a pacemaker, (The Inspire procedure) that physically moves the tongue out of the way when breathing occurs.
Using an oral device is a viable option for many patients and is usually more desirable than CPAP or surgeries.