Sleep Apnea | Midland & Odessa TX

If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it means that your sleep is often disrupted and your blood oxygen levels may drop. This occurs when your tongue falls back and blocks your throat, stopping the airflow. When the oxygen level in your blood gets low enough, your body partially wakes up to clear the blockage and resume breathing, often with a loud gasp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea: 

1. What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a condition where your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to a blocked airway. This blockage is often caused by the tongue falling back and obstructing the throat.

2. What are the symptoms of OSA?
Common symptoms include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling depressed. If left untreated, OSA can also lead to serious cardiovascular problems.

3. What is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)?
UARS is a milder form of sleep apnea where the airway obstruction is less severe but still causes similar symptoms as OSA.

4. How can I get diagnosed?
If you notice symptoms of OSA, it’s important to seek medical advice. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists who can help diagnose and treat this condition. They will review your medical history, examine your facial structure, and might perform a skull x-ray or a flexible camera exam of the throat. A sleep study may also be recommended to monitor your sleep and assess how your oxygen levels are affected.

5. What treatments are available for OSA?
Treatment options depend on the severity of your condition:

• CPAP Machine: This device provides pressurized air through a nasal mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
• Surgical Options: These may include correcting the nasal septum, removing tonsils, or a procedure called uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to address throat obstructions. In more complex cases, surgery to reposition the upper and lower jaw may be needed to widen the airway. This procedure usually requires a hospital stay of one to two days.

6. Is OSA serious?
Yes, OSA is a serious condition that needs careful attention and treatment to prevent complications like heart problems and daytime sleepiness.

7. Will my insurance cover the treatment?
Most major medical insurance plans offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

If you suspect you have OSA, taking action and getting a proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and better health.