Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition where the airway muscles collapse during sleep and result in obstruction of the airway and interruption to breathing.
Common symptoms of OSA
- Snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Feeling tired on waking up
- Daytime sleepiness
- Sore, dry throat on waking up
- Headaches on waking
- Poor concentration
- Memory deterioration
- Personality changes
- Anxiety or depression
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
This may require a multidisciplinary approach involving health practitioners from different specialties, including dentists, respiratory physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and ENTs. There are several treatment modalities for OSA. The severity of OSA dictates which treatment option is best suited for each person. A combination of treatment modalities may be necessary to achieve the maximum results. The different treatment options are:- Mandibular advancement splint (MAS)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
- Surgery
- Weight loss
- Regular exercise
- Sleeping on the side rather than on the back