Snoring and OSA is There a Connection?
Snoring is quite common; however, people who snore could also be dealing with something that is much more sinister.
Snoring is a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. However, according to sleep medicine specialist Dr. Judy Sturm, not all people who snore have obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.
What is OSA?
If you follow the Sturm & Associates Blog, and you really should, you will remember that obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes the throat to relax while sleeping. When this happens, the airways close making the person stop breathing as many as 30 plus times an hour.
When the person can’t breathe, the brain wakes them up so that they can resume breathing. Because the episodes happen so quickly, most people have no idea that they are suffering.
OSA Risk Factors
- Large neck size in both men and women
- Obesity
- Family history
- Heavy alcohol and tobacco use
- Being male
- Post menopause
- Narrow airway
- Nasal condition
Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and type 2 diabetes can also put you in the high-risk category for obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Cessations in breathing witnessed by someone else
- Gasping for breath while asleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Mood swings
- Falling asleep during the day
- Problems going to sleep or insomnia
- Loss of libido
As previously mentioned, snoring doesn’t always mean you are suffering from OSA, but it is a sign and if you have any of the other symptoms it’s important that you contact Sturm & Associates for oral appliance therapy.
Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA and Snoring
Oral appliance therapy is used to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Judy Sturm is an experienced dental sleep medicine provider and can help you ease your symptoms. All you have to do is call and set up an appointment.
One of the biggest advantages of oral appliance therapy is that it is comfortable.
CPAP Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
One of the most common treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP Therapy. A CPAP machine uses a hose connected to a machine. That hose is connected to a mask that forces air into the passageways so that they remain open.
While CPAP therapy does work, people often complain that the device is cumbersome and uncomfortable to use. So much so that often times it doesn’t get used and that is where oral appliance therapy comes in.
Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA
If you would like to learn more about oral appliance therapy, OSA or snoring in Yorkville, call, send a text or a DM to Sturm & Associates today.
