What is upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)?

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It is commonly believed that sleep apnea begins as subtle airway collapse which may or may not be associated with snoring. This may have a harmful effect on an individual’s health and sleep quality because of chronically disrupted sleep. Upper airway resistance syndrome is a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea, and it is important to identify and treat patients with UARS since they have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea in the future.

 

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea & upper airway resistance syndrome?

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Symptoms of sleep apnea and UARS vary from patient to patient. These symptoms include:

• Loud snoring

• Choking or gasping during sleep

• Frequently waking up throughout the night

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Unrefreshing sleep

• Morning headaches

• Memory loss

• Trouble concentrating during the day

• Irritability

• Depression

• Mood swings

• Dry mouth or a sore throat when waking up

 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our sleep specialists for sleep apnea/UARS diagnosis and treatment.

 

What are the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea & UARS?

 

You may be more likely to develop sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome if you have the following pre-existing conditions:

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• Overweight/obesity

• Narrow airway

• Nasal congestion

• A neck circumference greater than 17 inches

 

Risk factors may also include:

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• Age

• Gender

• Family history of sleep apnea or UARS

• Smoking

 

How is UARS diagnosed?

 

Sleep apnea and UARS are sleep disorders that can be diagnosed at SleepMS. Board-certified sleep specialist and sleep apnea doctor, Dr. Alex A. Clerk analyzes patient symptoms and concerns to make a diagnosis of sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome. If indicated, a sleep study may be done, during which a patient is monitored for signs of abnormal breathing and oxygenation as they sleep.

 

What are our obstructive sleep apnea & upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) treatments?

 

Dr. Clerk has extensive experience in treating patients with sleep apnea and UARS. Depending on the severity, sleep apnea and UARS treatments include:

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• Lifestyle modifications, which may consist of losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, and other changes based on an individual’s needs.

• Conservative management, mild forms of sleep apnea or UARS may be adequately treated with non-CPAP options, such as positional therapy, medical management, or an oral appliance.

• CPAP considered the gold standard of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, can help to stabilize the airway during sleep, thus preventing obstruction.

• CPAP alternatives, which can help to stabilize the airway during sleep, thus preventing an obstruction in patients who have trouble tolerating CPAP. These include surgical and non-surgical options, such as oral appliances.

 

If you believe you may be suffering from Sleep Apnea or UARS, it is important to see a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine in order to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Dr. Clerk is the most trusted board-certified sleep specialist in the Bay Area, who is known for diagnosing and treating all kinds of sleep disorders.

Call (408) 295--4532 today!