Upper Airway Obstruction (UAO) – What is it?

Upper Airway Obstruction is a sleep-related sleeping disorder similar to OSA, but not as severe. In the case of least alarming to most alarming among snoring and OSA, upper airway obstruction would fall in the middle. It develops when mild snoring worsens, and you begin to experience symptoms of daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If not dealt with upper airway obstruction can lead to insomnia, frequent awakenings throughout the night, and weight gain. If you have upper airway obstruction, then you experience many disturbances and awakenings during the night because of your labored breathing and snoring. However, you will not be aware of these. The only signs will be your daytime sleepiness and fatigue. You will not be aware unless notified by your sleeping partner. In Upper Airway Obstruction these disturbances and awakenings have not yet become apneas and therefore are not causing the harmful effects associated with OSA.

What causes it?

The cause is quite similar to OSA; relaxed fatty tissues in the throat combined with narrowed airways makes breathing more labored and requires greater force to get the appropriate amount of air through the airways, and this causes labored breathing and snoring. Overtime upper airway obstruction can worsen and develop into OSA, a much more serious sleep-related breathing disorder. For this reason, treatment should be considered once you or your sleeping partner become aware that your snoring has progressed and caused daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Possible solutions

Treatment for an upper airway obstruction differs from OSA mainly because CPAP is not necessary. For this milder sleeping airway restriction, certain lifestyle and behavior changes are the most appropriate treatment options. These include:

  • Practicing good sleep hygiene
  • Eating a balanced and healthy diet
  • Daily Exercise
  • Changing sleep position, such as sleeping on your side or stomach instead of on your back.

In addition to these lifestyle changes certain dental and oral treatments like a special mouthpiece may be recommended to help keep your airways open while you sleep. If you become negligent with your treatment, then it may develop into OSA.

Why get treatment?

It has been observed, and experts agree, one does not go from mild snoring straight to sleep apnea in a night. There is a progression from snoring to UARS to OSA, which usually involves weight gain and can take years to develop fully.

However, if you believe you may have developed OSA, you will want to take a sleep test to confirm your diagnosis and speak to a physician about your treatment options. OSA may cause many long-term and serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart arrhythmias, stroke and heart failure. Vitalistics is here to help! Once you have had a sleep test, you’ll want to follow up with a Board Certified Sleep Physician and explore your options and take the first step in getting back the restful sleep you deserve.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.