23 May When To Seek Treatment For Sleep Apnea
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are two common disorders that can take a seriously negative toll on your overall well-being. Your nighttime rest could be constantly interrupted; it can strainyour relationships and put your physical health at risk of other dangerous conditions. Even though these disorders can be incredibly harmful to your overall health, you may wonder if your symptoms are severe enough to need professional treatment. Dr. Coerver and her team in Mansfield, TX, may be able to help diagnose your disorder and find the right solution to improve your symptoms.
Untreated OSA Can Be Dangerous
OSA is a disorder that narrows or blocks your airways, causing you to periodically stop breathing at night or wake up gasping for air. When this happens, you may wake up at night without realizing it. This condition can be annoying for you and your family members, as your loud snoring at night when trying to breathe and occasionally waking up in the middle of the night could also be waking up your spouse. Additionally, your oxygen levels can decrease, and blood pressure can increase, putting you at risk of heart problems like stroke or heart attack. If you are experiencing symptoms of OSA, you can schedule a consultation with our team as soon as possible.
Know Your Risk And Understand The Symptoms
Some people may be unsure if they have OSA or snoring issues because the symptoms often occur while asleep. Patients with the highest risk factor may be older obese men, although anyone can experience OSA. If you often snore loudly, have headaches or a sore throat in the morning, or have noticed a change in your mood recently, these could all be signs of a sleep disorder. You can also take our sleep quality quiz before scheduling a consultation with our team.
Find The Right Solution For Your Needs
If you receive an OSA diagnosis, you have a few options. One option is a CPAP machine, which keeps continuous airflow for you at night. While this machine is highly effective, it may not be the most comfortable for all patients. Alternatively, we can create a custom oral appliance that keeps your jaw forward and airways open at night. This smaller oral appliance solution is as effective and may be more comfortable than a CPAP. You can also use expansive orthodontics to adjust the spacing of your teeth and jaw, creating more space for your airways. In some cases, you may also combine two or more of these treatments.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
If you have noticed that you are sleeping poorly and experiencing other side effects, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. To learn more about potential treatments, call Dr. Coerver’s Mansfield, TX, team today at (817) 592-8475.