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Why Do Sleep Apnea Patients Have Trouble Breathing?
There’s no single reason. For some patients, it may have to do with the size of vital airways, while for others it may be that the soft tissues at the back of the throat are relaxing too much, keeping air from getting to the lungs.
Regardless, treatment is of the utmost importance. Not treating sleep apnea can lead to stress, fatigue, an inability to concentrate, loss of memory, and accidents in the workplace or while driving. Other problems may include high blood pressure, heart trouble, and even the possibility of premature death.
It’s also important to consider that your partner may not be getting the sleep he or she needs either, putting them at risk for the same health problems.
So, How Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?
In the past, sleep apnea has been treated with either surgery or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP machines are designed to deliver air to the body and keep nasal passages open while the patient sleeps.
For many patients, though, treatment with CPAP comes with unique challenges. That’s why, for many patients, the best treatment for sleep apnea is an oral appliance from SomnoMed and Dr. Foster. Oral appliances are custom made for each patient and designed to reposition the lower jaw, keeping airways clear throughout the night so patients can get the restful night of sleep they need.
Want to know more about sleep apnea? Visit the SomnoMed website to learn more. You can even take this short, simple quiz from SomnoMed to find out if you might have sleep apnea.
To know for sure, though, come into Dr. Foster’s Houston office for a consultation visit. We can answer any questions you might have and help you decide if a SomnoMed oral appliance is right for you.