Snoring And Sleep Disordered Breathing

Overview

Sleep-disordered breathing is an all-inclusive term for breathing difficulties ranging from mild snoring all the way to severe airway obstruction during sleep. Sleep-disordered breathing results from an often-complex multi-facial problem that can be affected by one or more anatomical factors. For most sufferers, snoring is caused by the vibration of the muscular roof of the mouth, also known as the soft palate. For others, snoring is worsened by an obstruction of the nasal passage. An enlarged uvula, tonsils, and the base of the tongue can also contribute to the problem.

There is no reason to be embarrassed about snoring or to feel alone. Snoring is a common problem, with 90 million Americans suffering from the condition. While snoring can have a negative impact on your personal life, it can also negatively affect your health, and should, therefore, be taken seriously. Daytime drowsiness decreased libido and energy, and even depression can all result from snoring. More serious problems such as an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, and high blood pressure can also result from habitual snoring.

Children

Many parents worry about sleep-disordered breathing in their children. When your child’s breathing is disrupted, his or her body recognizes the disruption much like choking, slowing the heart rate, raising the blood pressure, arousing the brain, and ultimately disrupting sleep.  With children we often times have an opportunity to correct the cause of sleep-disordered breathing by using the Healthy Start system guide your child’s teeth into their proper position, expanding and fully developing his or her mouth and jaw.

Do not wait to have you or your child’s snoring or sleep-disordered breathing problem examined. Dr. Chowning and his staff offer time-tested and proven procedures to their patients. Dr. Chowning can help you determine the cause and a course of treatment for you or your child’s snoring and sleep-disordered breathing, which may help save relationships- and lives!