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Sleep Apnea Davidsonville , MD

Do you ever wake up suddenly- gasping for air? Has anyone ever complained about your loud snoring?

Snoring is the most common indication that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, (OSA) remains a growing concern in adults in the United States. Commonly undiagnosed sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that has been scientifically linked to an increase in a range of systemic health conditions. If you snore or wake suddenly gasping for air it is encouraged that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the development of secondary health risks.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused when the airway becomes blocked commonly by collapsed soft tissues at the back of the throat. When the airway is blocked oxygen is cut off from the entire body. Patients typically wake up with repeatedly throughout the night with a loud snore or gasping for air. Some patients wake as many as up to 500 times a night.

Those with sleep apnea do not get a restful nights sleep- even if they have little no memory of waking. Interrupted sleep can interfere with a patients health and overall well-being. Patient with sleep apnea experience chronic headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

If you are concerned that you are at risk for sleep apnea or experience any of the common symptoms, discuss your concerns with Drs. Woodell & Passaro- it could be life-saving.

What Are The Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea?

Testing for sleep apnea is as simple as a non-invasive sleep study. Drs. Wooddell & Passaro will coordinate and work closely with your physician to diagnose patients with sleep apnea. While anyone could have sleep apnea- there are certain risk factors that increase a patients likelihood of developing sleep apnea. If one or more of theses risks factors apply to you, consider talking to your dentist or physician about receiving a sleep study- it could be life saving.

  • Patients over 40
  • Large neck diameter
  • Family history of OSA
  • Diabetes
  • Male
  • Obesity

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

While the only way to be sure you have sleep apnea is by conducting a sleep study, patients typically experience similar symptoms. If you notice any of the symptoms below, talk to Drs. Wooddell & Passaro about scheduling a sleep apnea sleep study.

  • Chronic headaches(especially in the morning)
  • Waking gasping for air
  • Loud snoring
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Trouble concentrating

Treating Sleep Apnea

If you believe you may have sleep apnea or have been recently diagnosed with OSA, Drs. Wooddell and Passaro offer oral sleep appliance therapy. Less obtrusive and more discreet than a traditional CPAP machine, an oral sleep appliance helps to keep the airway open while you sleep.  The appliance is custom fabricated for optimal comfort.

Drs. Wooddell & Passaro work closely with your physician or a sleep specialist to achieve an accurate diagnosis and help you receive appropriate treatment for sleep apnea. Patients can often undergo a sleep study test that can usually be performed in the comfort of their own home. The sleep study will chart your sleep patterns for a better understanding of your condition.