Sleep Apnea Doctor in El Paso, TX

There are two types of sleep apnea, and the cause of your symptoms will depend on which type you are diagnosed with. However, obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is by far more common that central sleep apnea (CSA) and is what most people are referring to when they use the broader term. With OSA, a patient’s airway will become partially or totally blocked during sleep as the soft tissue of their throat relaxes or constricts. This makes it increasingly difficult for a patient to breathe and can lead to gasping or choking during their sleep cycle. The reduced oxygen intake caused by OSA puts additional strain on important organs and muscles within the body, which can lead to the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular disease. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from OSA, it is important to seek a diagnosis immediately because if left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications in the future.

The symptoms most commonly associated with OSA are often not detectable by the person suffering from it. Extremely loud snoring, gasping noises, and even choking during the night are the most common indications that a person may have sleep apnea. These symptoms are most commonly noticed by a bed partner or family member who sleeps in the same house. A person with sleep apnea may also suffer from daytime drowsiness, dry mouth in the morning, recurrent headaches upon waking, and increased irritability. If you notice that you are not sleeping well enough to wake feeling rested, it is always Top to seek a precise diagnosis from a sleep specialist.

No, some people snore because of a deviated septum, sinus congestion, or even as the result of overindulgence in alcohol upon occasion. Some snorers even experience partial blockage of their airway when soft tissue relaxes in sleep, but do not suffer from actual stoppage in their breathing pattern. It is estimated that approximately half of people who snore do so as the result of OSA, so if you notice that a loved one is snoring during the night, it may be Top to suggest they speak with a doctor to rule out OSA as a potential cause. In some cases, simply adjusting your sleep position may be able to reduce your snoring if it is not caused by sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy using customized neuromuscular orthotics to help maintain anatomic integrity during sleep can improve sleep apnea symptoms without cumbersome equipment. These discreet and comfortable devices are designed specifically for each patient on an individual basis, ensuring optimum comfort and efficacy. These dental appliances help maintain an open airway by gently holding the lower jaw in a forward position, which prevents the soft tissue of the throat from relaxing too much and blocking a person’s airway. Our oral appliances are crafted with care and precision to ensure you enjoy the most comfortable experience possible. They are easy to travel with and maintain, with no risk of waking your bed partner because of an incomplete seal, as is often the case with a CPAP mask that does not fit properly.

If you have sleep apnea and want to discuss your treatment options with a dedicated sleep apnea doctor in the El Paso, TX area, contact Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders today to schedule an OSA consultation.