Do you or your partner snore? Although most of the time snoring on its own can be harmless, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious problem that obstructs breathing during sleep. You may not wake up if you snore regularly, but with this condition you may wake up finding it difficult to breathe.
When you fall asleep, the tissues in your airways relax and can become smaller. However, airways can become obstructed by these tissues. In severe cases, if a person does not wake up when obstruction occurs, they could have a stroke, heart attack, or die because of the condition.
Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are multiple common signs of OSA to look out for:
- Snoring
- Chronic Migraines
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Dry Mouth
- High Blood Pressure
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Oral sleep appliances are the best treatment option for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Before treatment, Dr. Scott Finlay will conduct a medical evaluation to determine if your symptoms are related to sleep apnea.
Dr. Finlay offers oral appliance therapy using Herbst Advance, the Tap Adjustable Appliance, and the EMA Sleep Appliance. Similar to mouth guards, oral appliances provide a custom-fit and can be worn at night to open up airways and relax the jaw muscles.
Schedule an Appointment
Treat OSA to prevent health problems from developing further. Call Dr. Finlay today at (410) 989-7132. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.