Sleep Apnea Treatment in Sheridan, WY
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing pauses briefly intermittently throughout the night. Loud snoring is also common with this condition. Sleep apnea often results in poor sleep, so individuals wake feeling unrested. Dr. Bateman, the experienced otolaryngologist at Sheridan Ear Nose & Throat in Sheridan, WY, treats sleep apnea/snoring and will develop a treatment plan to help you achieve more restful sleep.
What is Sleep Apnea?
There is more than one type of sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common. Most individuals with the condition have this type. The other two types are central sleep apnea and complex or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
The periodic interruptions in breathing characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea occur when the airway becomes blocked, often resulting in loud snoring. This happens when muscle tissues in the throat relax and collapse across the airway. Another way the airway can become blocked is when the tongue rolls back across it.
Many individuals with sleep apnea are unaware of the condition, but there are several signs. Two of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and excessive sleepiness during the day. Other signs include gasping for breath while sleeping, waking up with dry throat or mouth, headaches in the morning, feeling unrested upon walking, difficulty concentrating during the day, mood swings, and irritability.
Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, such as being male, as more men develop the condition than women. Risk factors include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Family history
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Having diabetes, hypertension, or asthma
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Misalignment of the jaw
- Drinking alcohol
- Using sedatives
- Smoking
How is Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treated?
At our office in Sheridan, WY, several options are available for treating sleep apnea/snoring. The doctor will develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. A primary goal of obstructive sleep apnea treatment is to prevent the airway from becoming blocked so breathing is not interrupted, which also helps stop snoring.
One treatment method is CPAP therapy, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A machine delivers a continuous airflow through a special mask worn while sleeping. The continuous airflow helps keep the airway open. Another effective treatment option is an oral appliance worn in the mouth while sleeping. The appliance places the jaw in the correct position to prevent the airway from becoming blocked.
Lifestyle modifications might also be part of the treatment plan in addition to CPAP therapy or an oral appliance. For instance, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help reduce snoring and other symptoms related to being overweight. Surgery is also a treatment option when tissue abnormalities are contributing to sleep apnea and snoring.
If you are dealing with sleep apnea and loud snoring, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bateman to treat sleep apnea/snoring by calling Sheridan Ear Nose & Throat in Sheridan, WY, at (307) 672-0290.