Dr Jacob de Looze
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
07 3395 0099
TEETH : JAW : APNOEA : IMPLANTS
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is NOT something only older people suffer from!
If you, or someone you know snores loudly and wakes up suddenly gasping for air, it is time to consult a specialist.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a dangerous health condition. If undiagnosed, this disorder can leave you with high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, tiredness and lack of concentration.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Sleep apnoea occurs when the upper airway is obstructed by either the tongue, tonsils, or airway muscles. One or multiple of these structures can collapse in on the airway during sleeping and reduce airflow to the lungs.
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What to Do?
The first stage is a full assessment including a sleep study. This will identify the severity of the sleep apnoea. This is usually arranged by your general practitioner or performed in consultation with a respiratory physician. Some people find that an air pressure device (CPAP device) is enough to assist. Other people however cannot tolerate the noise or discomfort of an appliance.
Some people benefit from facial surgery that can restore airway space permanently. Changing anatomical positions of the upper and lower jaws aids to open the airways. For some patients, this technique can create an effective solution to sleep apnoea.
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