How Would I Know If I Had Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a condition that affects many people. It interrupts the sleep and makes you feel tired and fatigued during the day. However, as it happens during sleep, people are unable to diagnose it on their own and a bed partner can help in determining about the condition says the dentist in Providence.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
The doctor may make the evaluation on the basis of signs and symptoms and sleep history which you can provide with the help of someone who shares bed with you. You may also be referred to the sleep disorder center. A sleep specialist can help in determining the need for future evaluation. The evaluation involves overnight monitoring at a sleep center. They monitor your breathing and other body functions during the sleep. Some tests for detecting sleep apnea include:
- Nocturnal polysomnography
- Home sleep tests
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, the doctor might refer you to an ENT specialist to rule out the blockage in nose and throat. Also, an evaluation by a heart doctor or a doctor who specializes in the nervous system might be necessary for finding out the causes of central sleep apnea.
Treatment
For the milder cases of sleep apnea, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures don’t improve your signs and symptoms of sleep apnea or if your apnea is moderate to severe, several other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open the blocked airway. However, in some cases, surgery may be needed.
Therapies
- Continuous positive airway pressure
- Other airway pressure devices
- Oral appliances
Surgery
- Tissue removal
- Tissue shrinkage
- Jaw repositioning
- Implants
- Nerve stimulation
- Creating a new air passageway
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Losing excess weight
- Exercise
- Avoid alcohol and certain medications such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills
- Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than on your back
When you make an appointment with the dentist, make sure you list down your symptoms, add key personal information, along with medicines that you are taking and family history.