SLEEP APNEA LOS ANGELES
Obstructive sleep apnea causes individuals to deal with blood oxygen levels that are very low and disrupted sleep. When this occurs, the tongue sticks to the back of the throat while causes the upper airway to be blocked and airflow to stop. Someone may partially wake up if the oxygen level in the brain is low enough. After this, the obstruction is cleared and the airflow begins again, followed by a loud gasp.
Very serious cardiovascular issues may arise if continuous cycles of decreased oxygenation continue to occur. Individuals may suffer from depression, lack of concentration, and excessive sleepiness during the day.
An obstruction that is not as severe may be referred to as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In both cases, a lot of the same symptoms occur.
For more information about Sleep Apnea or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dean Salo, call Los Angeles Office Phone Number 323-933-2400.
SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT
It is vital to recognize the symptoms and to seek the proper consultation. Dr. Salo is available for consultation and to go over treatment options.
With his extensive history, the maxillofacial region’s anatomic relationship will be evaluated. Doctors are able to diagnose the level of obstruction with cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis. A naso-pharyngeal exam will be completed with an ENT using a flexible fiber-optic camera.
It is not a bad idea to have a sleep study done in order to monitor an individual and confirm how compromised their cardiovascular system is and how much their oxygen levels decrease.
There are other treatment options available for those seeking something surgical and non-evasive. A nasal CPAP machine may be an initial treatment option. This machine will release pressurized oxygen by using a nasal mask overnight in order to limit obstruction. However, it is very common to find this treatment challenging to get accustomed to.
An uvulo-palato-pharyngo-plasty (UPPP) is one surgical option available. This surgery takes place in the throat and the back of the soft palate. Uvulo-palato-plasty (LAUPP) is similar to UPPP, though it may be completed with a laser. Other cases may require a radio-frequency probe to be used in order to tighten the soft palate. These are commonly done in the office under light IV sedation.
If the case is more complex, the upper and lower jawbone may require repositioning so that the size of the airway can be increased (orthognathic surgery). This would be done under a general anesthetic in the hospital and would require you to stay in the hospital overnight for one to two days.
Patients who are seeking an alternative to CPAP should consult Dr. Dean Salo. With his expertise in snoring solutions and non-surgical sleep apnea, he is qualified to help. Dr. Salo focuses on utilizing orthotic devices that are custom to fit individual’s specific needs. Oral Appliances are supported by American Academy of Sleep Medicine to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A number of Dr. Salo’s patients have been able to sleep soundly after using sleep appliances such as TAP3.