Upper Airway Obstruction (UAO)

UAO is caused by blockage of the nasal passages and throat.  Because of this obstruction, the patient predominately breathes through the mouth.  This effects normal growth and development and can create a malocclusion.  The blockage is caused by allergies, deviated septum, sinus polyps, enlarged adenoids and tonsils. There are many clinical signs of UAO:

• Chronic open mouth posture
• Lower lip sucking habit
• Facial asymmetry
• Dry lips
• TMD  
• Grinding teeth
• Headaches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Space between front teeth when closed
• Deep overbite
• Narrow upper jaw
• Crowded front teeth
• Drooling during sleep
• Snoring
• Bloodshot eyes
• Chronic earaches
• Chronic sore throats
• Sleep apnea
• Hyperactivity (M.D.’s put these patients on Ritalin)
• Lisping
• Dark circles below eyes
• Impairment of concentration
• Child not growing

 

We can evaluate the upper airway radiographically and clinically.  If an airway obstruction is identified, then a referral is made to an Ear, Throat, and Nose doctor for correction.