Sleep Apnea Clinic in El Paso, TX

In mild cases, sleep apnea is not considered hazardous to one’s wellbeing, but it can still have long-term effects on health. Sleep apnea left untreated or undiagnosed can have serious consequences, especially in moderate to severe cases, such as:

– Heart disease
– High blood pressure
– Stroke
– Depression
– Diabetes

There are secondary effects as well, such as automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel or falls caused by drowsiness.

Patients are at a higher risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea if they:

– Are overweight or obese
– Are male
– Have a family history of sleep apnea
– Are over the age of 60
– Smoke
– Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or asthma
– Have chronic nasal congestion
– Have a crowded pharynx

A sleep apnea clinic is a medical office that specializes in the evaluation, treatment, and management of sleep apnea and its related conditions. The sleep apnea clinic should be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient’s condition, depending on their specific needs and preferences. First, the sleep apnea specialist will discuss with the patient the symptoms they are experiencing, as well as review their medical history. They may also perform a physical exam in order to determine the severity of sleep apnea. The main purpose of a sleep apnea clinic is to provide a safe and effective environment in which to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and to educate and support patients as they navigate the complex medical and therapeutic options available to them.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, but some people may not be suitable for this option. Fortunately, there are a number of different sleep apnea treatment options available, including:

– Oral Appliances — While some dental professionals specialize in orthodontics or dental implants, others focus exclusively on how to help patients with sleep apnea. Oral appliances, which look similar to mouthguards, can help hold the tongue in place or ease the jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open and unobstructed.

– Weight Loss — Obesity is one of the major risk factors for having sleep apnea; losing just 10 percent of body weight can help significantly alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, and dropping more can even cure sleep apnea in some cases.

– Positional Therapy — People who sleep on their stomach or side are less likely to experience sleep apnea. Sleeping in a supine position (face up) is likely to cause problems with breathing, exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms.

If you are looking for a sleep apnea clinic in El Paso, TX, come see the team at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders! Our team can help you improve your quality of sleep, so both you and your partner can feel rested.

To learn more about how you can improve your sleep and reduce your sleep apnea symptoms, visit Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 6901 Helen of Troy, Suite D-2, El Paso, TX 79911. We serve patients from El Paso TX, Fort Bliss TX, Canutillo TX, Vinton TX and Northeast El Paso TX.