Sleep Apnea
Learn What Causes and How to Treat Sleep Apnea
In some people snoring is a sign of a more serious health problem where breathing actually stops for periods of more than ten seconds. This condition is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA and in its more severe form affected individuals can stop breathing multiple times per hour. Indications that you might have OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness and waking up choking at night. In many instances, a person with OSA doesn’t even realize they stop breathing and must be told by their bed partner or family member that there is a problem. OSA is associated with a number of health conditions including high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Though serious, sleep apnea is rarely deadly, but it still needs to be treated as a measure to prevent its complications.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENTTreatment Options for Sleep Apnea
The first step toward treating obstructive sleep apnea is of course diagnosing the condition. We do this through our sleep testing partners who provide you with a small device that you sleep with at home. The device collects data that is sent to us for review. If you have sleep apnea the treatment options depend on the severity of the condition. For those with mild OSA, available options include in office treatments such as the Pillar Procedure. Another choice for many patients with mild-moderate OSA is a small dental appliance similar to a retainer or night guard. Nasal APAP, which represents an advance over traditional CPAP is an extremely effective tool that eliminates snoring and apnea when it is used nightly. Dr. Davis also offers surgical procedures such as the AIRvance system, tonsillectomy, and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
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