When you visit the dentist, you may discover you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that causes you to stop breathing in your sleep. You may have symptoms like depression, daytime sleepiness, or irritability. The diagnosis may sound a little frightening, but there are treatment options. Here are three questions to ask your sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN.
Will I Need a Sleep Study?
Some patients have already had a sleep study, but if you haven’t, the doctor will likely schedule one based on your condition and the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, the sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN, may not feel you need a sleep study.
Are There Complications If OSA Isn’t Treated?
There are some risks associated with OSA. Left untreated, it can increase your risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, liver problems, and more. It is also likely that if you share a sleeping area with a partner or spouse, they are also deprived of good sleep. Treating OSA is key to preventing these and other types of problems.
What Are the Most Common Treatment Options?
You can do a few things that may help manage or treat mild cases. Your sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN, may suggest stopping smoking, treating nasal allergies, losing weight, or avoiding alcohol consumption. They may also recommend a CPAP machine that helps keep the airways open during sleep. Another standard treatment is a dental appliance worn at night.
Do you have more questions for the sleep apnea doctors in Martin County, MN? Visit Birch Street Dentistry for more information.
