Airway and Sleep Breathing Issues
Sleep and Breathing Issues in adults
For adults, there are many clinical indications for sleep breathing disorders and airway issues overall. These include, but are not limited to; loud snoring, ADD, loss of energy, non-restorative sleep, nodding off while driving, night sweats, morning headaches, bruxism (tooth grinding), painful/sore jaw joints, enlarged tonsil/adenoids, poor nasal breathing, reflux and/or gasping episodes at night. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and depression can complicate the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
sleep and Breathing issues in Children
For children, the presentation of airway and breathing issues is different from adults. These include, but are not limited to; mouth breathing, crowding of teeth, tongue-tie, chronic allergy and sinus issues, bed-wetting, ADD/ADHD, delayed growth, dark circles under the eyes, and soft sounds or light snoring while sleeping.
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Ear, Nose, Throat
Upon examination and discussion with you, Dr. Chad Colson or Dr. Jill Colson may recommend your airway be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or “ear, nose, throat” physician. There are other treatments such as tonsil/adenoid removal or orthodontics that may improve your airway and quality of life.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD)
Dr. Chad and Dr. Jill Colson work with orofacial myofunctional therapists for children and adults. This type of therapy focuses on muscular patterns and postures of the mouth, face, and throat. Working towards functional patterns enables proper oral rest posture, swallowing, breathing, and speaking. It is often incorporated after surgery with an otolarygologist.
Signs and symptoms of OMD include:
- Mouth Breathing
- Sleep Apnea
- Snoring
- Enlarged Tonsils
- Headaches
- TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
- Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Clenching)
- Frequent Ear/Sinus Infection
- Tongue Thrust
- Malocclusion (Misaligned Teeth or Bite)
- Drooling
- Oral Habits (Pacifier Use, Thumb Sucking, Nail Biting)
- Facial/Neck Pain
- Picky/Messy Eating
- Poor Speech Articulation
- Orthodontic Relapse
- Digestive Issues
- Bed Wetting
- Tethered Oral Tissues (Tongue Tie/Lip Tie)
- Behavior and Attention Issues
- Restless Sleep/Frequent Waking
Sleep Specialist Physicians
Dr. Jill Colson and Dr. Chad Colson also work very closely with local sleep specialist physicians in Greenville, SC. We are happy to refer you to one of them for a sleep evaluation. With certain sleep breathing disorder diagnoses, it is possible to make an oral appliance to treat the condition. If your evaluation with the physician determines that you are a candidate for an oral sleep appliance, we are happy to fabricate that as prescribed.