For those who snore -- or for those who live with someone who snores -- some might attest that it can take a toll in more ways than one. However, the larger concern is that, if someone is actually suffering from sleep apnea, it can affect their overall health in very serious ways.
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Dr. J. Cary Moorhead, an otolaryngologist and sleep medicine specialist affiliated with Memorial Hermann, said if you or someone you know snores, there are things to watch for and know about when it comes to symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.
Here are four things to know about diagnosing sleep apnea:
- Because sleep apnea occurs while someone is sleeping, it often goes undiagnosed.
- The condition, which deprives a person of adequate rest, can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.
- Snoring -- or obstructed breathing -- which is caused by structural issues in the mouth and throat (including excessive throat tissue or a long soft palate), is one of a number of symptoms that can indicate sleep apnea.
- Through a sleep study, experienced physicians can diagnose the cause of sleep-related issues and develop a treatment plan.
Common diagnoses that might require treatment include nasal obstruction or blockage, obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Fortunately, for those who suffer, there are a few different types of treatment that include surgical and nonsurgical options, depending on the severity of the disorder and the preference of the patient.
Treatment options
Nonsurgical sleep apnea treatments include:
- CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
- Oral appliance therapy. This is offered as an alternative for patients who, through a sleep study, have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and did not respond well to CPAP treatment.
A fairly new surgical sleep apnea treatment that’s shown great results for sleep apnea is a device that is implanted and controlled remotely by the patient. Moorhead said the small device, Inspire, painlessly stimulates the upper airway, adding that they have seen a high success rate, making it a great choice as an alternative to CPAP.
To learn more about sleep apnea and treatment options, tap or click here, or call 713-222-2273.