Sleep Apnea treatment in Rural Cass County

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.

Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.

Some patients have obstructions that are less severe called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

The first step in treatment for sleep apnea resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons offer consultation and treatment options.

In addition to a detailed history, the doctors will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

There are several treatment options available. An initial treatment may consist of using a nasal CPAP machine that delivers pressurized oxygen through a nasal mask to limit obstruction at night. One of the surgical options is an uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP), which is performed in the back of the soft palate and throat. A similar procedure is sometimes done with the assistance of a laser and is called a laser assisted uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP). In other cases, a radio-frequency probe is utilized to tighten the soft palate. These procedures are usually performed under light IV sedation in the office.

In more complex cases, the bones of the upper and lower jaw may be repositioned to increase the size of the airway (orthognathic surgery). This procedure is done in the hospital under general anesthesia and requires a one to two day overnight stay in the hospital.

OSA is a very serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment. Most major medical plans offer coverage for diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep Apnea Explained

Sleep-related breathing disorders comprise a variety of conditions, including snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, central sleep apnea, hypopnea, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea—accounting for over 80% of sleep-disordered breathing cases in the U.S.

OSA is characterized by recurrent narrowing or collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This narrowing results in partial or complete airway obstruction.

Prevalence

1 in 5 people in America have sleep apnea

More common in men

Risk Factors for OSA

Large tongue or tonsils

Chipped (V-shaped) chin

Narrow upper jaw

Deep overbite

Bruxism (grinding)

Sleep Apnea Signs

Snoring

Feeling tired and fatigued upon waking

Morning headaches

Bedtime brain fog, forgetfulness, trouble focusing

Bed partner reports that you stop breathing

Is Sleep Apnea Harmful?

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that affects your overall health. If the tongue goes untreated, the lack of oxygen during sleep causes immediate and long-term risks, and may contribute to the following conditions:

Sleep Apnea Affects Your Whole Body

Depression
Anxiety
Acid Reflux
Fibromyalgia
Morning Headaches
Low Testosterone
High Blood Pressure
Cardiac Arrhythmia
High Blood Sugar Levels
Memory Loss
Fatigue
Irritability

Let’s Discuss! Taking the Next Steps

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed doing a sleep study or taking an at-home sleep test. We offer at-home sleep tests in our office using the WatchPAT. You take the sleep test in the comfort of your own home and we upload the sleep results to be interpreted by a sleep physician. Once the sleep test results are back from interpretation, Dr. Hagen will go over the results with you and the recommended treatment options. We can also send the sleep test results to your primary health physician.