What Is Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)? How Is It Linked To Tongue Tie Issues?

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a condition that is caused by a slowing or blockage of air in the nasal passages during sleep, leading to restlessness and lethargy. This syndrome happens when the soft tissue in your throat relaxes and doesn’t allow proper airflow while you sleep. However, patients suffering from tongue tie can also develop UARS because of the narrow upper arch pushing against the floor of their nose, thus reducing the oxygen flow through the nasal cavity.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)

Some symptoms and physical features of UARS can include:

  • Snoring

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Reducing cognitive function

  • Frequent sleep arousals

  • Restless sleep

  • Small jaws, small mouth

  • Limited mouth opening

  • Skin allergy or rashes

  • Non-cardiac chest pain and discomfort

  • Pain and discomfort in sinuses

  • People with disturbed chewing, biting and eating

  • Teeth grinding, teeth clenching

  • Crowded and misaligned teeth

How is UARS different from sleep apnoea?

Despite being similar in symptoms, UARS is generally less severe than sleep apnoea. UARS patients do not usually have pauses or decreases in breathing. Contrastingly, sleep apnoea patients experience periods of disrupted breathing. Those with sleep apnoea also tend to be obese or overweight.

Without medical treatment, UARS can become sleep apnoea.

The link between UARS and tongue tie

Many people who have a tongue tie issue often experience UARS, and much worse, sleep apnoea.

Can you treat and prevent UARS?

Several treatments used for OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) can also be applied to UARS patients. These include:

  • Oral appliances. Certain devices that you wear while you sleep can also prevent a collapse in the soft tissue of your airway. These appliances are good alternatives if you can’t tolerate a CPAP device.

  • CPAP. Short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This is a machine that gently blows air into your upper airway through a tube that connects to the mask. The air pressure helps keep your airway open and allows for regular breathing.

  • Surgery. Some people with UARS may need surgery. Your doctor can make your airway larger to lower the chances that it will collapse while you sleep.

Think you have a tongue tie?

Call us now at 02 9558 8988 or email us at info@painfreedentistsydney.com.au to book a consultation and solve your tongue tie issue today.

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