If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea in Troy, NC, Dr. Johnny McKinnon can help. This condition is often considered an oral problem and can be solved with an oral device prescribed by your dentist. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms.
What It Is?
This disorder is a disturbance in breathing patterns while sleeping. If the airways become blocked while sleeping, there will be long pauses in breaths. Although the lungs will force you to start breathing again, these pauses can cause health problems.
This disorder is often seen in people who are obese or who have abnormalities of the nasal passages or the bone structure of the face.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea in Troy, NC will be sleep disturbances. Those suffering from this disorder will often have interrupted sleep as their body continuously wakes in order to start breathing properly again.
These sleep disturbances can also cause symptoms to manifest throughout the day. Tiredness, crankiness, and falling asleep during the day can all be signs of this disorder. More severe symptoms can include issues with your vital organs. This can be caused by a lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the organs during sleep.
Treatments
This disorder can be treated at your dentist's office in some cases. If your problem is a result of bone structure or blocked airways, your dentist can prescribe an oral device for you. This device will keep airways sufficiently open during the night so that you can breathe normally. This oral device can also help cut down on snoring.
You should keep in mind, though, that very severe forms of this disorder will require an appointment with your primary care doctor and possibly a sleep specialist.
If you would like to learn more about our services, or if you think you may have sleep apnea in Troy, NC, please contact Dr. McKinnon by calling 910-439-9744.