Snoring is one of the signs of a health condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that is actually quite hard to identify and goes mainly undiagnosed. The problem with sleep apnea is that it is a severe medical condition requiring immediate treatment. However, snoring does not indicate sleep apnea all the time.
For the proper treatment of snoring problems, it is vital to be aware of how snoring differs from obstructive sleep apnea. The fact is, a lot of people snore. Studies show an estimated 30% to 50% of the U.S. population experiences snoring. Yet snoring does not signal the presence of obstructive sleep apnea all the time.
To determine whether snoring is tied to OSA, consider whether these sleep apnea symptoms are also present:
- Pauses that take place while snoring
- Breathing cessation episodes
- Choking or gasping that follows the pauses
- Rapidly falling asleep when inactive
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Fighting sleepiness at work, when driving, or during the entire day
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Depression
- Personality changes or mood swings
- Sore throat or dry mouth after waking up
- The need to wake up frequently to urinate
- Attention problems
- Decreased libido
The only way to know if a patient has sleep apnea is to have a sleep study. Dr. Nugent can help facilitate this test. The testing equipment will be sent to your house and you will use it for two nights. Then simply put everything in the box and use the pre-paid shipping label to send the equipment back. A board-certified sleep physician will read the test and give a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment.
Oral devices that help in treating snoring and sleep apnea
One way to treat excessive snoring and sleep apnea is to use a dental device. These appliances are also useful in correcting mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices bring the lower jaw downward and forward to open up the airway. This helps to prevent the soft tissue from vibrating and causing the sound of snoring. Plus, the oral device holds open and prevents the collapse of the airway.
You don’t have to suffer with snoring. Call our Pasadena Texas Dental Office today at 832487-0647. See how Dr. Nugent is helping people sleep better at night.
