Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the airway muscles collapse during sleep and result in obstruction of the airway and interruption to breathing.
Common symptoms of OSA
- Snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Feeling tired on waking up
- Daytime sleepiness
- Sore, dry throat on waking up
- Headaches on waking
- Poor concentration
- Memory deterioration
- Personality changes
- Anxiety or depression
If you are diagnosed with OSA, it can have a significant effect on your general health. It may lead to heart disease, diabetes, increase in blood pressure, and increased risk of a stroke or heart attack.
The first step is to diagnose whether you have OSA so the appropriate treatment can be chosen. This is done with a sleep study, either at a sleep disorder clinic or performed in your home. At Salamanca Dental a home-based sleep study is available. You will need a referral from your G.P. or Specialist to undertake a sleep study. Salamanca Dental staff will explain how to use the sleep study device during a consultation visit and then you perform the sleep study in the comfort of your own bed.
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
This may require a multidisciplinary approach involving health practitioners from different specialties, including dentists, respiratory physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and ENTs.
There are several treatment modalities for OSA. The severity of OSA dictates which treatment option is best suited for each person. A combination of treatment modalities may be necessary to achieve the maximum results.
The different treatment options are:
- Mandibular advancement splint (MAS)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
- Surgery
Other methods of reducing the severity of OSA include:
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Sleeping on the side rather than on the back
