We Treat Sleep Apnea and Snoring
A lot of people think sleep apnea and snoring are two sides of the same coin. This is a common misunderstanding. Snoring is simply a sound that’s caused by the vibration of the tissue that occurs as a patient breathes during sleep. Although heavy snoring is a major symptom of sleep apnea, one doesn’t necessarily lead to the other.
Whether your heavy snoring is a sign of sleep apnea or not, Dr. Birth will make sure you get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Alternatives to CPAP
While a CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air into the patient’s airway in order to maintain a constant airflow, the common complaint is that CPAP is bulky and difficult to use. It’s a very effective treatment for severe cases of sleep apnea, however most patients stop using CPAP after less than a year.
In contrast, oral appliances are similar to a retainer and can be taken anywhere. They are custom-made, small, portable, easy to use, and comfortable. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, doctors and dentists often prescribe an oral appliance.
The Risks of Ignoring Your Sleep Apnea
Your sleep apnea isn’t going to disappear on its own. When left untreated, the consequences of sleep apnea can be devastating to your overall health and relationships. Sleep apnea affects your ability to complete basic tasks. In fact, fatigued sleep apnea sufferers are responsible for numerous traffic fatalities annually.
Additionally, this common sleep disorder is linked to depression, anxiety, obesity, and several other damaging medical conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. And in children, sleep apnea causes daytime drowsiness and behavioral and academic problems at school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for sleep apnea?
The only cure for sleep apnea is to have surgery. However, surgery is invasive and only used in the most severe cases as a last resort. Dr. Brith recommends an oral appliance as a first line of defense for treating sleep apnea.
In addition to treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance, Dr. Birth will also recommend certain lifestyle changes to ensure the treatment is effective. A well-rounded approach may improve your chances of a successful treatment.
What are the warning signs or symptoms of sleep apnea?
Some of the common symptoms associated with sleep apnea are as follows:
- Loud snoring
- Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness and mood swings
- Decreased libido
- Drowsiness while driving
- Restless sleep
- Waking with a choking/gasping sensation
- Waking with a dry/sore throat
The best way to find out if you have sleep apnea is by undergoing a sleep study. A sleep study can be performed under the supervision of a physician in a lab, or in the privacy of your own home. It will record data such as oxygen levels, brain activity, and muscle movement and a physician will determine if, in fact, you have sleep apnea. Then we can start treatment right away.