Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Sunshine Coast

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) involves cessation of breathing (apnoea) during sleep due to full or partial obstruction of the upper airways.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea sufferers may have excessive daytime somnolence (tired during the day), snore loudly and have witnessed episodes of apnoea amongst many other symptoms. Worryingly, a significant number of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea sufferers are not aware that they are affected.

There is evidence that Obstructive Sleep Apnoea has been linked to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Attacks
  • Strokes
  • Depression
  • Poor concentration or memory
  • Higher risk of traffic accidents

There are multiple anatomical reasons for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and they can involve issues with the:

  • Nose
  • Tongue
  • Palate/uvula (‘punching bag at the back of your throat’)
  • Jaws
  • Neck

Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea should involve a multi-disciplinary team involving

  • General Practitioner
  • Dentist/Prosthodontist
  • Orthodontist
  • Dietitian (if overweight);
  • Respiratory/Sleep Physicians
  • Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (Dr Trent Lincoln OR Dr Andrew Higgins)
Depending on the reason for the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, multiple treatments may be offered, after diagnosis with a clinical history, examination and sleep study, some of these include:
  • Lifestyle modifications (weight loss; alcohol reduction; sleep position)
  • Mandibular Advancement Devices – Dentist or Prosthodontist
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices – Sleep Physician
  • Nose, Tongue or Palate Surgery – ENT Surgeon
  • Orthognathic Jaw Surgery– advancement forward of the jaws to increase the airway

At Sunshine Coast Oral, Facial & Implant Specialists, Drs Lincoln will liaise with the other members of your team to provide you with the appropriate treatment.

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