What is Sleep Apnea? – Sleep Apnea Treatment Delhi
Sleep apnea is also known as OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. It is a breathing disorder in which the relaxation of the soft palate muscles or tongue obstructs the airway repeatedly. Usually, the air should flow continuously through the nose to the lungs. In sleep apnea, there are episodes when the breathing stops entirely for a moment, and the person wakes up with a jerk due to less oxygen being delivered to the brain.
Causes of Sleep Apnea – Sleep Apnea Treatment Delhi
The major causes of OSA:
- Hypothyroidism
- Polycystic ovarian disorder
- Chronic lung conditions like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis
- Obesity causing obesity breathing disorder in morbidly obese people called hypoventilation syndrome
- Fluid buildup in the neck region due to heart or kidney diseases
Symptoms of sleep apnea – Sleep Apnea Treatment Delhi
The most common OSA symptoms are daytime sleeping tendency and drowsiness in the morning. The recurrent cessation of breathing leads to depleted brain oxygenation and poor sleep quality.
Other symptoms of OSA are:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches and grumpiness
- Gasping for air during sleep with sudden waking due to choking
- Poor quality of sleep
- Poor work performance
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
The diagnostic test most commonly done is known as polysomnography. This test monitors you for various physiological parameters like:
- Brain waves during EEG
- Eye movements during sleep by EOG
- Oxygen saturation while asleep by pulse oximetry
- Heart rate by ECG
Sleep Apnea Treatment Delhi
CPAP Therapy
The most common treatment modality for sleep apnea is CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The person wears a mask connected to a machine that delivers a constant airflow.
BiPAP therapy
Another form of therapy similar to CPAP therapy is Bipap or bilevel positive airway pressure therapy. It is indicated when the CPAP therapy fails to control the symptoms. Bipap therapy forces the air with pressure into the lungs when you sleep.
Oral appliance therapy – Sleep Apnea Treatment Delhi
Mandibular advancement device
It is also known as mandibular protrusion devices or advancement splints; these devices are attached to both upper and lower teeth. The primary aim is to move the tongue forward by repositioning the mandible. It is only worn at night and looks similar to a mouthguard. Our experts customize it as per your current dental status.
Tongue stabilizing device
It is also known as a tongue retraining device, which uses a plastic suction to reposition the tongue forward. These TSDs aim to prevent tongue fallback that can lead to airway obstruction.
The rapid maxillary expansion device
It is the type of device indicated mainly for children with OSA. It opens up the blockage by expanding the palatal bones. RMEs are to be worn at all times, unlike other dental devices that can be removed for treating OSA.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy
- Easier to carry
- Best for people who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
- Works without electricity or battery
- Reduces snoring symptoms
- Improves concentration and focus by improving sleep