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This blockage can occur within the nose, at the back of the nose, behind the soft palate, in the back of the throat, or just above the vocal cords. Many times, more than one location is causing a partial obstruction. Your symptoms may be worse after drinking alcohol or taking certain sleep medications.
When the body is not able to take in enough oxygen while you sleep due to this blockage, it is a problem called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You may not notice the effects of sleep apnea on a day to day basis, but over long periods of time it can increase your risk of heart or lung disease in the future, if your apnea is severe. Therefore it is important to treat this underlying condition in order to prevent some of these long term complications.
In order to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will order a sleep study. This may need to be performed at a sleep center, or at times can be performed at your own home. Depending on the results, you may be a candidate for several types of therapy. Often, mild sleep apnea can be improved with weight loss. If your apnea is more severe, the problem is best treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which helps keep your airway open at night while you are sleeping. Other times there may be a variety of devices you can wear at night in your mouth, or surgical options that may be available to you.
Your physician will consider your overall medical history, and degree of your sleep apnea before determining which treatment plan fits you best. Our goal is to increase your overall energy by improving the quality of your sleep.
Inspire is the only FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that works internally with a simple press of a button. This innovative solution involves a brief outpatient procedure to implant a small device inside the body. Before sleep, you activate Inspire using a remote control. While you sleep, Inspire works to keep your airway open, ensuring you breathe easily and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Inspire is specifically designed for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who have tried a CPAP machine without finding sufficient relief. This treatment is ideal for those seeking an alternative to traditional methods and looking for a more convenient and effective solution.
If you believe Inspire could be beneficial for you, Montgomery Otolaryngology can help. Schedule a consultation with our experienced physicians who specialize in the Inspire procedure. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine if Inspire is the right solution for your sleep apnea.
Contact us today to book your appointment and take the first step toward a better night's sleep.