Dr. Parsi has been trained extensively to treat sleep disorders and snoring. He has been treating patients with oral appliances for over a decade. These appliances re-position the lower jaw in an exact way to open the airway so the patient can breathe easier and sleep better.
What is Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
SDB refers to a variety of sleep dysfunctions that involve the respiratory system, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and others. Over 18 million Americans suffer from OSA. Approximately 90% of all people with OSA go undiagnosed and untreated.
An apnea is defined as a temporary absence or cessation of breathing lasting ten seconds or more. During OSA the upper airway collapses, obstructing airflow even as the patient makes effort
What are the signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Snoring
- Morning headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
- Frequent urination
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sleepiness or fatigue
What should you do if you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
- See your doctor. Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorder is recommended.
- Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
What are the treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, pronounced “see-PAP”) treats OSA by providing a flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway during sleep.
- Oral appliance is a small device that is very similar to an orthodontic retainer. It’s worn in the mouth while sleeping to help prevent soft throat tissue from collapsing and obstructing the airway. Some of the devices hold the lower jaw forward during sleep, while others directly affect tongue position.
- Surgical intervention
- Any treatment should include weight loss if needed, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives, and hypnotics.
What happens if OSA is not treated?
Possible increased risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
- Decreased quality of life
Sleep disorder is a serious, potentially life-altering and life-threatening condition. Dr. Parsi can easily identify and effectively treat it with oral appliances and other therapies.