Upper airway resistance syndrome: What you need to know

Living a happy and healthy life requires that you eat the right foods, get enough physical activity, refrain from unhealthy habits, and get 7-8 hours of uninterrupted refreshing sleep every night. Unfortunately, many Americans are suffering from sleepless nights, or unrefreshing sleep caused by common sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome.

Upper airway resistance syndrome, or UARS, can occur when the muscles of the airway relax, compressing the pharynx. This compression presents as a resistance to breathing, which then becomes labored, and the body cannot enter into rejuvenating REM sleep. This lack of REM sleep can lead to sleepiness and chronic fatigue.

While UARS is a serious sleep breathing disorder, few in the medical community can agree on whether it is its own syndrome or part of a larger grouping of recognized sleep breathing disorders. This lack of agreement has led to a medical industry-wide poor understanding of the disorder.

If you believe you suffer from UARS, despair not, there are methods of testing and treatments available that have proven to be effective in helping sufferers get a good night’s sleep. The method of screening for UARS is high resolution pulse Oximetry screening. Treating UARS can be similar to the treatments used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These treatments include:

• Myofunctional therapy
• Using orthotropic appliances such as the homeoblock
• Splinting the airway to keep it open using oral appliances
• Surgery
• CPAP

Upper airway resistance syndrome sufferers can find relief for their condition through these treatment methods, but before diagnosis and treatment can begin, you might consider a visit to a dentist in Laguna Niguel who specializes in sleep breathing disorders.

Having a happy and healthy life is possible, even if you suffer from UARS. Learn more about this disorder and other sleep breathing disorders when you schedule a visit with Dr. Mark Cruz.