Elite Dental of Staten Island

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Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)

The term ‘upper airway resistance syndrome’ denotes an entity characterized by the presence of daytime fatigue or sleepiness in the presence of a normal respiratory disturbance index and oxygen saturation. Despite some similarities, certain specific clinical and diagnostic features distinguish it from the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The essence of diagnosis lies in the documentation of increasing esophageal pressures during sleep with associated transient EEG arousals. Furthermore, the evidence suggests an abnormal blood pressure response to the changes in esophageal pressures and arousals.

Gastroesophageal Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD is a disease that refers to the clinical manifestations of reflux (backflow) of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is the most common disease of the esophagus, affecting up to 40% of adults. Typical symptoms of GERD include heartburn, abdominal discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and acid regurgitation. This acid irritates the esophagus because it doesn’t have a special lining to protect it like the stomach does.

GERD that occurs at night is called nocturnal GERD. Although reflux episodes occur less frequently at night than during the day, the esophagus lining is exposed to the stomach’s corrosive contents much longer at night. When you lie in bed, the protective effect of gravity is lessened. Researchers also believe that apnea episodes may cause a negative pressure in the esophagus which will then work like a vacuum to bring the acid up from the stomach. Complications of nocturnal GERD include erosive esophagitis and the precancerous condition Barrett’s esophagus, as well as esophageal cancer. Sometimes the acid comes all the way up into the mouth where it can cause damage to the teeth. Your dentist should look for this during periodic exams.

Many people who have been successfully treated for apnea have experienced a reduction in GERD symptoms.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Many people don’t get good quality sleep, and they don’t know why. In the past, you would need to go into a lab for a sleep study, but now you can get this valuable information from the comfort of your own home. A home sleep study involves a monitor that tracks your breathing while you’re asleep to determine if there are any interruptions. Once you know what the issue is, it can be addressed.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder that occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat, blocking the airway and causing airflow to stop. When proper airflow is hindered, blood oxygen levels drop, which can cause one to partially wake from sleep. As such, the condition causes fragmented sleep and can lead to a range of issues, including daytime sleepiness, as well as an increased risk of severe health problems like heart attack, stroke, weight gain, diabetes, mood problems, depression, and sexual dysfunction.

There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. These include weight gain, snoring, aging, having a family history of the condition, and malformation of the orofacial area (such as misaligned teeth, jaw, and palate). Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) can also lead to obstructive sleep apnea, while menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome and a deficiency of progesterone or estrogen can also be risk factors. The anatomy and physiology of the airway play an important role, and those with a small jaw or thick neck are generally at greater risk of developing the disorder.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health consequences. These include excessive daytime fatigue and impaired cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate and remember things. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep apnea has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes, mood disorders like depression and irritability, and weight gain. Chronic sleep disruption can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents due to reduced alertness, negatively impact the overall quality of life, strain relationships due to loud snoring and frequent awakenings, worsen existing medical conditions, and elevate the risk of premature mortality. It’s crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment for sleep apnea to address these potential health risks and improve overall well-being. Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, medical devices, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

The warning signs of sleep apnea encompass a range of symptoms that can include loud and persistent snoring, which may be punctuated by pauses in breathing, as well as gasping or choking during sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may wake up frequently during the night. Morning headaches and difficulty concentrating are common, along with irritability and mood changes. A dry mouth or a sore throat upon waking may also be present, as well as a decreased libido and restless tossing and turning during sleep. Risk factors such as obesity or a large neck circumference can contribute to the condition, and sometimes, sleep apnea episodes are witnessed by a partner or family member. Recognizing any combination of these signs is crucial for seeking a proper diagnosis and treatment, as untreated sleep apnea can have significant health consequences. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for addressing the condition and improving overall well-being.

The time it takes to see results from sleep apnea treatment varies depending on factors like the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment method. Immediate improvements, such as reduced snoring and improved daytime alertness, can be noticed when using treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, for many individuals, especially those using oral appliances or implementing lifestyle changes, improvements may be more gradual and may take weeks to months to become noticeable. An adjustment period might be needed to adapt to the treatment, and regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential for optimizing the effectiveness of the chosen therapy. Over the long term, consistent adherence to sleep apnea treatment can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of associated health conditions.