March 10, 2023 - Genesis Family Dentistry

Airway obstruction is a medical condition that can be life-threatening. It refers to a blockage or narrowing of the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea, and bronchial tubes, causing breathing difficulties or even complete airway obstruction. Airway obstruction can be triggered by various factors, and the symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity.To that end, our dentist at Genesis Family Dentistry is here to discuss airway obstruction management in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood, NC – she’ll cover the causes behind airway obstruction, its symptoms, and our treatments.What Is Airway Obstruction?Airway obstruction is a condition that causes your airway to be partially or completely blocked, making it difficult to breathe. It occurs when there is a hindrance in the respiratory tract, which can impede oxygen’s flow from your nose and mouth down to your lungs. Airway obstruction can occur for reasons ranging from respiratory infections to tumor growth or trauma to your respiratory system. When obstruction occurs, it can be potentially life-threatening.Prompt recognition and treatment of airway obstruction is essential to preventing complications and ensuring a good prognosis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding known triggers, and seeking medical treatment promptly can also help prevent airway obstruction.Causes of Airway ObstructionAirway obstruction can be triggered by several factors:Inflammation: Inflammation can occur due to allergic reactions or infections, such as bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Inflammatory reactions lead to the swelling of the airway lining and tightening of the airway muscles, thereby reducing the size of the airway and causing breathing difficulties.A buildup of mucus: Materials like dust, smoke, or other pollutants can irritate the respiratory tract lining and cause inflammation, leading to the build-up of mucus and narrowing of the airway.Structural abnormalities: Defects in the structure of the trachea or bronchi, such as tumors and cysts, can interfere with airflow and cause breathing difficulties. In rare cases, airway obstruction may result from a prolapsed or collapsed trachea.Muscle disorders: Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease characterized by weakness and atrophy of the muscles, including muscles responsible for breathing, which can result in airway obstruction and respiratory failure.What Are the Signs of Airway Obstruction?Identifying the signs of airway obstruction is essential to preventing serious consequences. Below are common symptoms or signs of airway obstruction:Difficulty breathing: One may feel as if they are struggling to catch their breath or are not receiving enough air. This can lead to shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or noisy breathing.Increased breathing: As the body tries to compensate for the reduced flow of air, this can also cause shallow breathing, in which the chest expands only minimally.Cyanosis: Changes in skin color due to the lack of oxygen, are another sign of airway obstruction. The skin or lips may appear blue, indicating that the body is not getting enough oxygen.If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing any signs of airway obstruction, our Uptown Charlotte dentist, Dr. Stacey Alston, DSS, is always ready to provide reliable, proven airway obstruction management.How We Treat Airway Obstruction in Uptown CharlotteSeveral methods have been developed in airway obstruction treatment in Uptown Charlotte, including surgery and medications. However, new treatment options called Myobrace and Vivos have emerged as effective and less invasive airway obstruction treatments.MyobraceOne of the most effective treatments for airway obstruction is the use of the Myobrace. This is a drug-free approach to addressing airway obstruction and has shown great success in improving breathing function and reducing or eliminating airway issues.The Myobrace system works by focusing on the root causes of airway obstruction. It utilizes a series of intra-oral appliances. These appliances apply slow, gentle pressure to the teeth and jaw, which helps to correct the underlying issues and improve breathing function.Whether you are suffering from snoring, sleep apnea, or other respiratory issues, the Myobrace system may be the solution you need to breathe easier and feel better.VivosVivos is a non-surgical treatment approach that is designed to improve breathing by expanding the airways using intraoral appliances. It is worn during sleep and helps to widen the airway by gently shifting the position of the tongue and other soft tissues in the mouth.Vivos treatment for airway obstruction involves two stages:The first stage is a comprehensive examination to assess the patient’s airway, determine the cause of the obstruction, and create the mold for the intra-oral appliance.The second stage involves the fitting of the custom-made intra-oral appliance. It is designed to fit snugly over the teeth and tongue, holding them in proper alignment throughout the night.Airway Obstruction Management in Uptown Charlotte Near Plaza Midwood At Genesis Family Dentistry, we offer affordable and reliable airway obstruction management in Uptown Charlotte near Plaza Midwood, NC. With our trained dental professionals, the right equipment, and proven protocols, we can ensure your safety and comfort during even complex treatments.Contact us today to get the best airway management if you’re experiencing signs of airway obstruction.