Sleep Apnea Clinic in Wausau, WI

There are many kinds of doctors that can provide treatment for sleep apnea; the level of care they can deliver varies based on their experience, background, education, and training. In many cases, people with sleep apnea will likely first visit their primary care physician. Primary care physicians can provide treatment for mild cases of sleep apnea, but they will likely refer their patients to a more qualified professional in more advanced cases. More likely than not, the patient will be referred to a dentist who specializes in sleep medicine. Dentists are one of the leading professionals for treating sleep apnea as they specialize in the anatomy of the jaw and mouth.

There are many treatment options for sleep apnea, many of which have been around for decades. The most common sleep apnea treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure); these devices keep the air passages open during sleep by providing a constant positive pressure, which prevents the airways from becoming obstructed. A newer treatment option for sleep apnea is BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure). These machines are different from CPAP as they have varying pressures, whereas CPAP only provides one pressure. BiPAP can be beneficial for people who have difficulty exhaling against CPAP’s continuous pressure because BiPAP uses a lower pressure on exhalation than on inhalation. Another option that takes a completely different approach is wearing an oral appliance. These can also help people with sleep apnea as they hold the jaw forward, thereby opening the throat. However, oral appliances are typically only indicated for mild cases of sleep apnea; moderate to severe cases are treated with CPAP or BiPAP.

Various forms of treatment are available for sleep apnea, from noninvasive therapies such as oral appliances to surgical procedures that remove excess tissue or restructure the tissues at the back of the throat. Positive airway pressure machines, such as CPAP and BiPAP, are the gold standard for the treatment of sleep apnea. However, certain factors also play a significant role in the risk of developing sleep apnea, as well as the severity of symptoms, including:

–  Alcohol consumption, especially before bed
–  Sedatives and CNS depressants
–  Excess Weight — Sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight or obese as there is extra weight placed on the chest and throat.
–  Age — The prevalence of sleep apnea increases with age; it is much more common in the older population.
–  Gender — Sleep apnea affects more men than it does women.
–  Smoking — People who smoke are three times more likely to develop sleep apnea than non-smokers.

Sleep clinics for sleep apnea specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of sleep-related breathing disorders. The sleep specialists will first perform a physical examination as well as assess the patient’s overall condition. After a diagnosis has been formulated, the sleep specialist will work closely with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that uniquely addresses all of their concerns.
 
If you have sleep apnea, know that there is a solution. At Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders, we are knowledgeable in treating sleep apnea and can help you get a good night’s rest. Call us today to book an appointment at our sleep apnea clinic, or visit our office conveniently located at 413 N. 17th Avenue, Suite #100, Wausau, WI 54401. We look forward to serving you!