Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Sleep apnoea is characterised by fitful sleep resulting from erratic breathing. Symptoms include loud snoring and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. There are three types of sleep apnoea:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Central sleep apnoea
- Complex sleep apnoea syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common form and happens when the throat muscles relax during sleep. Central sleep apnoea happens when the signals sent from brain to the breathing muscles are distorted. Complex sleep apnoea syndrome occurs when a patient suffers from the two aforementioned varieties. If you think you suffer from any of the above, contact Campsie Laser Dentist to arrange treatment of your condition. Treatment is crucial to preventing heart problems resulting from sleep apnoea.
How Is Sleep Apnoea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnoea is usually diagnosed when another person who shares the patient’s bed reports the patient stops and starts breathing repeatedly during the night. The patient is then either referred to a sleep diagnosis centre for evaluation using nocturnal polysomnography or diagnosed at home using a home sleep test. The former evaluation (nocturnal polysomnography) records heart, lung and brain movement, breathing patterns and arm and leg movement during sleep. The latter evaluation (home sleep tests) uses simplified tests to measure heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow and breathing patterns during sleep.
If results from the nocturnal polysomnography or home sleep tests are abnormal, then the testing doctor will be able to refer the patient to therapy. The patient may be treated by an ear doctor, nose and throat doctor or dentist.
What Treatments Are Available For Sleep Apnoea?
Mild cases of sleep apnoea may only require lifestyle changes. More serious cases, however, require the use of sleep aid devices or surgery. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight or quitting smoking. Sleep aid devices are used in what is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Surgical options may include: tissue removal, tissue shrinkage, jaw repositioning, implants or a tracheostomy.
CPAP Therapy
A CPAP machine pressures the nose, mouth and throat with slightly more pressure than is in the atmosphere, thereby forcing the throat to remain open and preventing sleep apnoea and snoring. CPAP therapy requires wearing a mask while asleep, which can be uncomfortable. However, most patients usually adjust to the feeling of wearing a mask while asleep after some time. Dentists can supply alternative oral appliances to keep the airways open during sleep; if the patient finds them too uncomfortable.
Surgery for Sleep Apnoea
Surgery for sleep apnoea is only recommended if other therapies like continuous positive airway pressure therapy have been unsuccessfully trialled for three months. Tissue from the rear of the mouth and top of the throat may be removed in an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Radiofrequency ablation can also be used to shrink the same tissues. Jaw repositioning can be achieved via a maxillomandibular advancement. This enlarges the space between the tongue and makes breathing easier. Implants can be inserted into the soft palate following application of anaesthetic. More research into implants is needed. Finally, a tracheostomy may be required if sleep apnoea is life threatening. In this procedure, a surgeon makes an opening in the patient’s neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube to breathe through at night.
Where Can I Get Treatment For Sleep Apnoea?
Contact the dental professionals at Campsie Laser Dental today to schedule an appointment for sleep apnoea treatment. We have a good reputation in our local community and have been performing sleep apnoea treatments on patients with the condition since our clinic opened. If you suffer from snoring, tiredness or your partner has reported you stopping breathing at night, call our clinic on 02 9789 6219 and we can refer you to diagnosis and treatment.