SLEEP APNEA DOCTORS IN RICHMOND, VA

Coronary artery disease results from constricted arteries, which causes a drop in blood oxygen levels that raises blood pressure, and sleep time airway resistance exacerbates this potentially deadly problem. The heart is forced to work harder and the arteries become even narrower. Such a detrimental cycle will eventually lead to a heart attack.



A stroke occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is either partially or completely cut off. The adequate flow of blood and oxygen to the brain are critical, and upper airway resistance compounds the risk of stroke.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Central Sleep Apnea is a much less common type than Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Central Sleep Apnea is due to a brain signal problem: the brain signal that instructs the body to breathe is delayed. With CSA, oral breathing and throat and abdominal breathing all cease at the same time. The periods of breathing interruption may last a few seconds, and breathing may be too shallow to provide oxygen to the blood and tissues. Central sleep apnea may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack, and/or stroke.

Mixed Sleep Apnea: When individuals experience a combination of the two other types of sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea, they have mixed sleep apnea.

Here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms of obstructed airways in children along with risk factors to be aware of:



· Lingual tongue tie

· Speech impairment

· No spaces between primary teeth

· Retrognathic jaw (skeletal and dental)

· Lingually inclined teeth

· High palatal vault

· Reports of clenching or grinding

· Bed wetting

· Night terrors

· Restless sleep

· Snoring

· Allergies (nasal congestion)

· Mouth breathing (check pillow)

· Allergic shiner (dark circles under the eyes)

· Hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD)

· Loss of interest in learning

· Mood swings Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Did you know children are also at risk of developing an obstructed airway? Have you observed restlessness, mouth breathing, snoring, or breathing pauses in your child’s breathing? If your child is experiencing any of the below symptoms during sleep, they need to be evaluated for possible sleep apnea to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you suspect that your child may be suffering from sleep apnea, you can refer to the pamphlet below from the American Dental Association for information on what to do. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call our office.