Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that affects both children and adults.
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition which causes involuntary and temporary disruptions to one’s breathing during sleep. The normal flow of air is disrupted by a narrowing of the airway, often leading to symptoms like snoring. If you or your partner snore at night, it could be a sign that you are suffering from the disorder. Here’s what you should know about sleep apnoea, and what you can do about it…
What causes the condition?
Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused by different factors in adults and children. Usually, excess soft tissue in the mouth and throat causes the condition in adults, while enlarged adenoids, tonsils and an overbite are some of the most common causes in children.
The risk of obstructive sleep apnoea tends to be higher in individuals who are older, and in those who are overweight. The risk of developing the condition is also increased in those with a large tongue that can block the airway; those with a large neck; those with a lower jaw that is shorter than the upper jaw; and those with a narrow or easily collapsible airway.
What are the most common symptoms of the condition?
Some of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea include daytime sleepiness; pauses in breathing while you sleep; frequent and loud snoring; waking up with a dry or sore throat; waking up with headaches; difficulty concentrating; and learning problems. Depression, moodiness and irritability are also common side-effects of the condition.
How can it be treated?
Fortunately, there is a number of treatments available for obstructive sleep apnoea. If you or your partner snore, we encourage you to come in and see us so that we can discuss the various options with you.
One of the treatments that we offer at Bite Dental is the 02Vent Optima, which is an effective alternative to the CPAP machine. The 02Vent Optima is an oral device that has been designed to include an integrated airway channel. Air travels through the channel to the back of the throat, bypassing sites of nasal obstruction. The device also works to advance the lower jaw, bringing the tongue forward and opening the upper airway. The treatment has become increasingly popular because it is a more discreet and flexible alternative to the CPAP machine and traditional oral appliance therapy. The device is also very easy to clean and adjust.
We also offer treatment with the use of a CPAP machine, which is highly effective. Unfortunately, some people do not find it possible to sleep when using the CPAP machine, so if you have any concerns about this treatment, we are happy to discuss them with you.
When it comes to treating sleep apnoea in children, the most common option is the removal of the tonsils. In most cases, this simple surgery will resolve the issue completely. If symptoms of sleep apnoea, such as snoring, continue even after the tonsils have been removed, we may recommend myofunctional therapy. This course of treatment aims to repair the proper function of the mouth, lips and jaw and is often highly effective.
If you would like a free 20-minute assessment to find out if the O2Vent device will work for you, please request an appointment. We can help up to 82 percent of patients get better sleep by eliminating snoring and treating sleep disorders.
If you have any questions about our sleep apnoea and snoring treatments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to helping you resolve the uncomfortable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea for the sake of your overall health.