Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Frisco, TX
When Impeded Breathing Keeps You from Sleeping
It is believed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) accounts for more than 90% of all sleep apnea cases. Without proper treatment, it can cause serious health problems that inhibit a person’s well-being as well as shorten their lifespan. As the clinical director of Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco, Dr. Kent Smith and our team of experts are here to offer proven techniques and treatments for OSA before it worsens. With our in-house sleep lab, we can begin the process of addressing symptoms and improving sleep patterns for a better quality of life. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss obstructive sleep apnea in Frisco.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
A blocked airway is the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea. When the soft palate and tongue collapse, they can create an obstruction that prevents air from flowing freely in and out of the mouth. Breathing ultimately stops and because of the limited oxygen intake, the brain triggers the body, causing you to wake suddenly, often gasping for air.
Other causes of OSA include:
- A narrow nasal passage
- An enlarged uvula
- A deviated septum
- Missing teeth
- An enlarged tongue
- A recessed lower jaw
- Enlarged tonsils
- Being overweight or obese with fat accumulations around the neck
- Sleeping on your back
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Certain genetic disorders such as Down syndrome
Possible Complications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea should not remain untreated. Otherwise, it can lead to serious health problems that can have long-term or even fatal consequences, some of which include:
- Heart attack or stroke
- Chronic fatigue
- A heightened risk of drowsy driving
- High blood pressure
- Poor work performance
- Frequent headaches
- Weight gain that causes you to become overweight or obese
- Moodiness
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
When Should I See A Doctor About Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you suspect you have one or more of the symptoms associated with OSA, it is important that you contact our office for an appointment. Loud snoring that wakes others, gasping for air throughout the night, experiencing chronic fatigue throughout the day, or learning that you stop breathing while asleep are all reasons to contact our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco.
Based on your evaluation, we will recommend a sleep study to determine if sleep apnea is the problem before developing a personalized plan with recommended treatment options.
Types of Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Our sleep specialists in Frisco recognize there is no single option that can treat OSA in all patients. Instead, we are pleased to provide different solutions that can be successful and life-changing, such as:
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) involves wearing a customizable device while sleeping. Designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth, it prevents soft tissues from collapsing and gently shifts the lower jaw forward to help keep the airway open. These devices help to ensure proper breathing and can be useful in minimizing snoring.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Many patients with OSA often start treatment using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system. Effective at pushing air through the mask and into the airways to keep them open, they do require more components than OAT, as they consist of a mask, tubing, and a machine. Many patients complain about the bulkiness of their devices and difficulty when it comes to traveling.
Combination Therapy
Some patients are recommended for combination therapy that involves using a CPAP device and oral appliance. While the individual wears a customized oral device while sleeping, they also wear a CPAP, though the pressure is not on the highest setting. This helps to minimize noise. With this type of sleep apnea treatment, patients can still expect to achieve better sleep while traveling even if they only take their oral appliance.
Health & Wellness Coaching
In addition to oral appliance therapy and using a CPAP, we also provide health and wellness coaching that helps to address problems commonly associated with OSA. From nutrition and weight loss to depression, anxiety, and taking certain medications, our team of professionals includes sleep doctors, a nurse practitioner, and a licensed psychologist who can help.
Surgery
Only when all other sleep apnea treatment options are unsuccessful will we consider surgical procedures. When patients have enlarged adenoids or tonsils, it may be necessary to remove these to minimize symptoms associated with OSA. Other invasive procedures may be required as well, depending on your case, that includes removing or reconstructing parts of your airway or facial structure.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs
Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make CPAP Therapy Unnecessary?
CPAP therapy works by physically forcing air through the airways with a mask worn throughout the night. This is an excellent option for many patients who have obstructive sleep apnea. However, others find this treatment uncomfortable and are less likely to be compliant with their treatment. In some cases, where the patient has mild or moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy can replace CPAP therapy completely. Those with severe sleep apnea may benefit from combination therapy, where both CPAP and oral appliances are used. By working with your sleep dentist, you can discuss your options to find out what’s best for you.
Will My Obstructive Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
This is a possibility. Being overweight is a major risk factor for OSA because excess weight and tissue can block the airway, worsening symptoms. Losing weight can reduce the tissue in the airway. However, it’s not guaranteed that your sleep apnea will go away when you achieve a healthy weight. You would need to complete another sleep test to determine if you are still suffering from the condition.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Some people snore due to nasal congestion, deviated nasal septum, anatomy, and more. Not everyone who has sleep apnea snores either. That being said, loud snoring is one of the most common and noticeable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to address this with your doctor. A sleep study/test is needed to diagnose OSA.
Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?
Yes. In fact, approximately 1-8% of children have sleep apnea. Children usually show different signs and symptoms than adults. Some of the most common for children include bed-wetting, sleep terrors, attention/learning problems, inability to focus, and hyperactivity. For children to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, the same process needs to be followed as adults. This includes undergoing a sleep study with a doctor and then seeking treatment according to their needs.
Who Is Most at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
There are certain groups of people who are at higher risk for sleep apnea than others. You are more likely to develop sleep apnea if you are:
- Male
- A post-menopausal women
- Obese or overweight
- Pregnant