Understanding Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome 

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a condition often disregarded but with significant implications for those affected. It’s a disorder characterized by partial airway obstruction during sleep, which results in disrupted sleep patterns and associated health issues. 

Since UARS often masquerades as other sleep disorders, it makes accurate diagnosis challenging. Learning its distinct clinical features and diagnostic criteria is essential to differentiate it from conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and enhance the well-being of patients. 

How Are UARS and OSA Different? 

Both upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cause relaxation of soft throat tissues during sleep, which narrows the airway and leads to disrupted sleep and subsequent daytime impairment, including excessive daytime sleepiness. 

Unlike OSA, where the reduction in airflow reaches a critical threshold, UARS involves a subtler increase in upper airway resistance. This heightened resistance prompts brief awakenings from sleep, often going unnoticed by the affected individual. When these interruptions occur repeatedly throughout the night, they result in impaired sleep like the disruptions seen in obstructive sleep apnea. 

While it shares similarities with obstructive sleep apnea, UARS is generally less severe. Individuals with UARS still experience sleep disturbances and daytime drowsiness, but the degree of breathing disruption isn’t as frequent or serious as that seen in conventional sleep apnea. 

Common UARS Symptoms 

Although less severe than OSA, UARS still affects an individual’s sleep quality and overall well-being with symptoms including: 

• Snoring 
• Daytime drowsiness 
• Cognitive impairment 
• Difficulty initiating sleep 
• Sleep arousals 
• Fatigue 
• Affected memory and thinking 

Identifying and understanding the symptoms of UARS allows professionals to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to alleviate these sleep-related complaints and their potential impact on daily life. 

Is UARS Treatable? 

If left untreated, upper airway resistance syndrome can progress into sleep apnea. Yet, there are several treatments available to handle the symptoms, such as: 

Positive Airway Pressure Therapies 

Most patients find continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to be an effective treatment for sleep-related disorders, including UARS. 

CPAP involves wearing a special mask during sleep, connected to a machine that delivers a stream of air into the upper airway. This air pressure helps keep the airway open, preventing partial obstructions and promoting regular breathing. 

While CPAP is highly effective, some individuals find it challenging to tolerate due to the mask and machine. 

Oral Appliances 

Oral appliances are worn during sleep and function to prevent airway soft tissues from collapsing. They are especially useful for those who cannot tolerate positive airway pressure devices.  

Oral appliances are custom-fitted by dental professionals and aim to maintain proper airway patency throughout the night. 

Sleep Surgery 

In certain cases of UARS where other treatments have proven ineffective or unsuitable, surgery may be considered. Surgical interventions are designed to enlarge the airway, reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep. 

Surgical options for UARS can vary depending on individual anatomical factors and the severity of the condition. Patients must discuss the potential advantages and risks of surgical procedures with a qualified healthcare provider. 

Behavioral Measures 

Behavioral measures can play a complementary role in managing UARS. These include: 

• Positional Therapy: Encouraging individuals to sleep on their sides rather than their backs can sometimes alleviate UARS symptoms. This change can be achieved with the use of specialized pillows or positional aids. 
• Weight Management: While not a primary treatment for UARS, maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce the severity of symptoms, especially in cases where obesity is a contributing factor. 
• Treatment of Underlying Medical Conditions: Addressing any underlying medical conditions, such as nasal allergies, can make a significant difference. Nasal steroids may help improve nasal obstruction associated with allergies, which can, in turn, alleviate UARS symptoms. 

Interceptive Orthodontics 

Interceptive orthodontics aims to correct structural issues that may contribute to UARS. It addresses sleep disorders and airway obstruction by correcting the shape and functionality of the mouth, tongue, jaw, and bite. 

By aligning oral structures, this treatment helps alleviate partial airway obstruction during sleep. It is particularly relevant for individuals with UARS where anatomical factors play a significant role in their condition. 

While interceptive orthodontics is not a standalone treatment for UARS, it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to controlling the condition. It may be recommended in conjunction with other therapies, such as CPAP or weight management, to optimize treatment outcomes and improve sleep quality for individuals with UARS. 

Interested in Treatment for UARS and OSA? 

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of upper airway resistance syndrome and seek effective treatment options, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare provider or sleep specialist. To explore the various treatment modalities and find a suitable approach for managing UARS, contact Sunrise Orthodontics and Airway and Sleep Group.