Upper Airway Resistance
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep disorder that is similar to sleep apnea. When a patient presents his doctor or dentist with sleep disorder symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and insomnia, the dentist or doctor will refer the patient to a sleep clinic for a polysomnography – also called a sleep study. It is only through a sleep study can a diagnosis of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) be made.
When a patient is referred for a polysomnography, they will undergo a painless, drug-free procedure that lasts for at least one entire night, and sometimes two. During the study, electrodes are placed around the face and head to measure facial movements and brain waves. Bands are fitted around the abdomen and tubes are placed near the nose and mouth to measure breathing, and sensors on the chest show heart rate. For a diagnosis of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) the breathing rate is the most important. The sleep doctor will see if the patient wakes up during the night because his airway relaxes and constricts. This narrows the airway, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen that can get to the lungs. The patient will feel this in his sleep as a difficulty in breathing and wake up as a result. Several episodes will happen a night, as the airway opens back up once the patient awakens but constricts again when he relaxes in sleep. In its repetitiveness and sleep disruption, it is similar to sleep apnea, but the two differ in key ways.
Unlike sleep apnea, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) does not cause a complete stoppage of breathing. Instead, of the airway being blocked - as it is with sleep apnea, muscles that support it relax too much during sleep, and the airway does not hold itself open fully. The result is the patient awakening because he has a sensation of breathing through a straw. This can happen several times a night and severely disrupt sleep patterns. Like sleep apnea, the consequences of untreated Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) can be serious. Due to daytime sleepiness, accident rates increase, and productivity decreases.
Once a diagnosis of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is made, the patient may be referred to a dentist or orthodontist for treatment. Surgery is not often performed for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), rather, the patient will likely be fitted with an oral appliance. These are the same oral appliances that are designed for those suffering from sleep apnea. This is because the treatment for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is the same as it is for mild to moderate sleep apnea. For the best fit of the custom-made oral appliance, the patient should seek out a qualified, experienced orthodontist. A professional who has previously made these devices will be able to craft the fit for the patient with the least amount of discomfort and the fewest return visits for refitting. The proper fit for an oral appliances is essential in treating Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), since this appliance is the only thing that is keeping the airway from constricting at night. If the device is not molded properly to the patient, it will not work and troubling symptoms will continue.
For any other questions related to sleep apnea or cosmetic dentistry, please contact us at 713.795.5905 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.
