Sleep apnea in Coral Springs is a serious condition that affects over 22 million Americans, and 80% of that population are undiagnosed cases. That’s why your dentist says it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms of the condition. As you read on, you’ll learn what signs to look for in adults, children and toddlers so the people you love can get help as soon as possible.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is the result of the muscles in the throat collapsing and the tongue settling into the back of the mouth, which partially blocks the flow of air. This leads to frequent pauses in breathing during the sleep cycle that cause a person to awaken several times throughout the night.
Symptoms in Adults
These are the signs of sleep apnea to lookout for in adults:
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sexual desire
- Silent pauses in breathing
- Choking or gasping sounds
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Nocturia (waking during the night to go to the bathroom)
Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children
According to recent data released, 10 to 20 percent of children who snore have sleep apnea. Here are some of the signs of the condition you may notice:
- Difficulty with learning
- Short attention span
- Poor performance at school
It’s also important to pay attention to your child’s sleep habits. Bedwetting, mouth breathing and daytime sleepiness are possible signs of sleep apnea.
What to Look for in Toddlers
If you noticed that your toddler is growing slowly, he or she has tonsil problems or sleep patterns that veer away from the norm, then sleep apnea may be the cause. When assessing his or her sleep cycle, look out for these warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pauses in breathing
- Restlessness
- Coughing or choking
- Sweating profusely
When Should You Seek Help?
If you’re noticing any of the above symptoms, then you should contact your doctor. He or she may recommend that you see a sleep specialist. You can then request a referral to Dr. Kulick and the friendly staff at Coral Springs Dentistry to get the treatment needed.
Your dentist will diagnose the problem and provide a customized solution. One possibility that offers flexibility and delivers results is treatment with a Somno Dent oral appliance. It’s a removable device that has a high success rate when worn properly.
With the help of Dr. Kulick, your loved one can soon get the quality sleep needed so he or she can lead a healthy and productive life!
About the Author
Dr. Walter K. Kulick is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Kulick fits patients with oral sleep appliances so they can sleep better at Coral Springs Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.