Breathing Disorders: Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a breathing disorder caused by a slowing or blockage of air in the nasal passages during sleep—causing the chest muscles and diaphragm to work harder to pull air into the lungs—disrupting sleep and leading to other conditions that can effect overall health. Often mistaken for other health conditions, especially those related to extreme fatigue, many people with UARS are unaware of their condition. However, here are some other health conditions commonly related to UARS.
Common Conditions associated with UARS:
Severe, continued tiredness that is not relieved by rest and is not directly caused by other medical conditions. People suffering from UARS tend to complain of fatigue—versus sleepiness.
A common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light.
Depression, described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable or down. When children do not get sufficient sleep due to UARS, they may get hyper, cranky, act out or be disruptive in school or at home. When adults do not get sufficient sleep over a prolonged period of time, depression can set in. Mental health professionals rarely evaluate patients for breathing disorders.
People with UARS tend to have cold hands, cold feet and other symptoms of hypothyroidism.
People with UARS tend to have cold hands, cold feet and other symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Diagnosing UARS
A diagnosis of Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome takes a medical provider specifically trained to assess for the disorder. Detailed interview, clinical examination, radiologic examination and other tests need to be conducted to help identify if a patient is suffering from UARS or another form of sleep disordered breathing.
Dr. Ricardo has received advanced education and clinical skills to evaluate for UARS. Working with a team of healthcare and medical providers, he has created a collaborative team of experts—including ENTs, myofunctional therapists, sleep doctors, airway orthodontists and pediatric specialists—to develop an integrated approach to treating Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome.
If you think you or someone you love may have Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome it is important to be evaluated. Contact us to learn more.
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