So, how does this happen? When the airway of a developing child is compromised because of allergies, tonsils and adenoids, the child must breath through his mouth to get oxygen. The nasal passages become inflamed. The exchange of gases on and off the red blood cells is impeded due to the lack of Nitric Oxygen, or NO, which is continually produced by the epithelium of the nasal passages. The tongue stays on the floor of the mouth. The buccinator, or cheek muscles, in the absence of the balancing forces created by the tongue resting on the anterior two thirds of the palate, allow the collapse of the upper, or maxillary arch and prevent it from growing laterally. The result is a narrow, forward-growing maxilla, bilateral cross bites, and a high, arched palate. Often the nasal septum responds to the upward forces, causing a deviated septum, further compromising nasal breathing. The lower jaw, or mandible, which is influenced by the growth of the maxilla, grows down instead of down and forward. The result is an obtuse mandibular angle, a long lower third of the face, and often an anterior open bite. The airway can be further compromised on opening because the mandible opens down and back, instead of in a more downward direction.

As a parent, what can you look for to determine whether your child has a breathing disorder? Does your infant have difficulty sucking or staying latched onto the nipple? Does he fuss and cry more than you expect when feeding? He may be having trouble getting air through his nose, so he sucks until he needs air, then unlatches and cries before reattaching. Do the nostrils appear small, inadequate, and unused? Look at his tongue. Is it discolored from mouth breathing, or is there a tongue tie, limiting its ability to reach the palate? Does he have constant bad breath? Is he a messy eater with food all over his mouth? Are the lips continuously open when he plays or sleeps? Does he or she have dark circles under watery eyes? Is the lower third of the face growing too long? Does he have difficulty concentrating in school? Is he hyperactive? These can be some of the signs of a compromised airway.

What can you do? Ask your pediatrician to evaluate if your child’s tongue is tied as well as whether your child’s tonsils obstruct the pharynx. They may say to wait until the tonsils and adenoids shrink, usually around the age of five. If you receive such advice, consider getting an opinion from a physician familiar with sleep disorders. Consult a doctor who specializes in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) conditions. You may also consult a pulmonologist, an expert in breathing disorders. Possibly the best screening medical professional is a dentist with knowledge about breathing disorders, particularly sleep breathing disorders. Dentist trained to recognize breathing disorders and associated malocclusion can point you in the right direction to have your child evaluated. There are procedures and techniques available to facilitate the normal growth and development of your child.

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Snoring or Difficulty Breathing

Snoring is one of the most common signs of OSA. This symptom combined with difficulty breathing through your nose (which can often create the snoring that comes with mouth breathing during sleep) are signs that you need to be evaluated for sleep apnea. This includes if you have sinus trouble or trouble breathing through your nose as a result of allergies.

Headaches and Fatigue

If you have headaches upon waking, this could be a sign that your body isn’t getting the proper amount of oxygen while sleeping due to obstructed breathing. Fatigue during the day may indicate that you aren’t getting the proper rest you need because of constant waking during the night to resume normal breathing. See your doctor—you may have OSA!

Obesity and Large Neck Circumference

If you’re obese and have a large neck, the size and mass of your neck could be contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. This is because the muscles that help control your airway may collapse during sleep, leading to an inability to breathe. Obesity is a risk factor for OSA and combined with other symptoms such as snoring and fatigue, could indicate OSA.

Being Restless, Irritable, and Unfocused

Not being able to sleep properly can make you restless at night. If you have trouble sleeping, an obstructed airway could be preventing you from getting a proper night’s rest. This may lead you to be irritable and unfocused the next day, especially as the problem continues over time. You may not be able to concentrate or have trouble regulating your moods. Your doctor can refer you to a sleep specialist to see if OSA could be the culprit behind your symptoms.

Jaw Pain or Acid Reflux

Did you know that having temporomandibular joint disorder (often referred to as TMJ or TMD) can influence whether or not you have OSA? This is because your jaw determines the position of your tongue in the mouth. When your jaw is misaligned, your airway can easily become obstructed by improper tongue placement during sleep.

There may also be a link between acid reflux and sleep apnea, although the connection isn’t clear yet—some researchers speculate that acid reflux may cause the muscles that control the airway to spasm during sleep, therefore resulting in breathing problems.

Having a Family History of OSA

Always know your family’s medical history—a family history of OSA or another type of sleep apnea is a risk factor in whether or not you will develop sleep apnea!

Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that can increase your risk for chronic diseases and even premature death. Get evaluated by a physician for sleep apnea if you have any of the above signs—a simple oral sleep appliance can help keep your airway open during sleep and result in a proper night’s rest and better health!

The post What Are the Signs That You Should Be Evaluated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.