If you’re one of the approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million Americans who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you likely already know that this autoimmune disease can make everyday things like moving freely and getting a good night’s sleep extremely difficult. In addition to the painful inflammation that is so common with this debilitating illness, patients with RA are also at a higher risk for another dangerous condition: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here’s a closer look at this connection, and how oral appliance therapy could help you finally get the rest you deserve.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious chronic autoimmune disease which causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints (synovium), resulting in painful swelling, inflammation, and even joint deformation. It is more common in the small joints of the feet and hands, but can occur anywhere in the body, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of the jaw, and around the heart and lungs.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is caused by an obstruction to the airway. This can be due to enlarged tonsils or even an excess of fatty tissue around the neck, throat, or tongue. Obesity and an enlarged neck may increase your risk of developing OSA by narrowing the airway, as can improper positioning of the jaw due to other conditions like TMJ disorders.
The Link Between RA & OSA
While there is no definitive link between RA and OSA, there are many possible connections, including:
- Deterioration of the joint tissue from RA often causes bone erosion and joint deformation, which can damage the temporomandibular joint and jaw, narrowing the airway in the process.
- Inflammation throughout the body is caused by an increase in the amount of an inflammatory substance called TNF which has been found in higher levels of both RA and OSA patients.
- Obesity is a common occurrence in both patients with OSA and those with RA and is a major risk factor in both conditions.
Treating OSA With Oral Appliance Therapy
Now that you know about the potential connection between rheumatoid arthritis and OSA, you’re probably eager to get help treating them. Unfortunately, while there is no cure for RA, there are many successful options available to help you manage it, including medications and physiotherapy.
Conversely, many patients with OSA have found great success treating it with the help of oral appliance therapy. Available from a sleep dentist, these devices are customized to fit your individual mouth and gently push the jaw forward to open the airway naturally while you sleep. This can alleviate discomfort associated with TMJ disorders, all the while allowing you to rest soundly and breathe properly. Oral appliances can often be used in lieu of more traditional options like CPAP, which many patients find uncomfortable and often avoid using altogether.
Remember, OSA, combined with serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, can make getting a good night’s sleep extremely difficult. However, with the help of your sleep dentist, adequate rest could finally be a dream come true. Make an appointment today to discuss your options for oral appliance therapy and get the proper night’s sleep you deserve, naturally!
About Our Team
At Downtown Denver Sleep Solutions, Dr. Gary Radz and Dr. Glenn Thompson have both suffered from the debilitating condition known as sleep apnea. Their compassion for those in the same situation, along with their expertise in treating the disorder, makes them uniquely qualified to assist you in getting the best night’s sleep. Whether you’re only struggling with OSA or you have additional conditions to manage like RA, diabetes, obesity, or anything else, or oral appliance therapy could finally help you get the rest you deserve without the need for CPAP. To learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 303-377-5337.