Sleep Apnea Arlington Heights IL
Oral Surgery Offices Arlington Heights, Elgin & Lake Zurich IL
Snoring is a very common condition that is not easily remedied and can be a problem. Not only does your bed partner suffer, but you could have a more serious problem. Snoring is present in about 90% of people who have obstructive sleep apnea.
Apnea is the obstruction of airflow for a period of time. A sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring with episodes of silence and the struggle and arousal to breathe. This process interferes with sleep and can become life-threatening and dangerous.
OSA or obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and excessive sleepiness, to name a few. A thorough history and examination should be performed prior to treatment. Once a diagnosis has been established, directed treatment should be done.
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Snoring may be treated in several ways. Non-surgical methods may include positional changes, modification of behavioral patterns (ex. avoiding alcohol before sleep), and dental appliances.
Surgical methods include alterations at the site of tissue vibration, usually the soft palate and other areas if needed.
Treatment of OSA includes non-surgical and surgical techniques. Non-surgical intervention is the initial approach. This includes but is not limited to:
- behavior modification
- diet
- sleep position
- nasal CPAP
- dental appliances that reposition the mandible in a more forward position.
Surgical procedures that have variable success include:
- nasal surgery
- palatal and pharyngeal surgery
- Maxillofacial surgery
- tracheotomy
A sleep study or polysomnograph is often required and considered the standard for diagnosis.
The goal of surgical intervention is to target the anatomic site that is felt to be most responsible for the obstruction. In Maxillofacial surgery, a promising method has been advocated and used with considerable success in selected patients. Your doctor will work with multiple professionals to help diagnose and correct the problem.