What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a severe disorder that can cause people to suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as other health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. People with sleep apnea often experience episodes of interrupted breathing while they sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality and cause daytime sleepiness. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. People with untreated sleep apnea stop repeatedly breathing during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. When breathing stops, the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

The most common sign of sleep apnea is snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Other signs of sleep apnea include:

• Pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Choking or gasping during sleep.
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.

Additional symptoms may include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

Sleep Apnea Treatments

There are a variety of treatments available to treat sleep apnea. Some of these include:

CPAP: One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This therapy involves wearing a face mask attached to a machine that pumps air into your airways while you sleep. The air pressure helps keep your airways open, preventing snoring and pauses in breathing. This treatment is effective for most people who suffer from sleep apnea.

MAD: Another treatment option is using a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This device is inserted into the mouth and pushes the lower jaw forward, which helps keep the airways open. It is considered a less invasive option than CPAP and is often used as an alternative for people who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Surgery: Surgery is another option for some people with sleep apnea. Surgery can be used to remove excess tissue from the throat that is blocking the airway. We can also use it to tighten the muscles in the throat to help keep the airway open. Surgery is usually reserved for more severe cases of sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Changes: Lastly, lifestyle changes can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms. These changes can include avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, maintaining a healthy weight, and sleeping on your side. Additionally, regular exercise and good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding large meals and caffeine before bed, are essential.

What to Expect at Your Sleep Apnea Exam

At a sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Shadid at Durham Dental Center, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. Dr. Shadid will begin by asking you questions about your medical history, such as whether you have a family history of sleep apnea, any current medications you take, and any breathing or snoring problems you have noticed. He will also ask you to describe your sleep patterns, such as how often you wake up during the night and whether you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Finally, Dr. Shadid will discuss treatment options with you, including lifestyle changes, sleep aids, and in some cases, oral appliance therapy. He will explain the benefits and risks of each option and help you decide which is the best course of action. He will also provide detailed instructions on how to use the prescribed treatment and will provide follow-up care to ensure that you are responding well to your treatment.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in South Plainfield

At Durham Dental Center, patients can expect a thorough, compassionate consultation with Dr. Shadid when they come in for sleep apnea treatment. He will take the time to listen to the patient’s concerns and develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs. With his experience and expertise in sleep apnea, Dr. Shadid is the ideal choice for anyone looking for quality care and treatment in South Plainfield, NJ. Schedule an appointment today.