“Form follows function” means that the form, or structure, of a body part is related to its function. The form or shape of a structure within an organism is correlated to the purpose or function of that structure. I am inclined to state that the opposite is also true; that “function follows form”.
I am beginning to learn from my observation and study of oral health and airways that there is an epidemic out there! What I now realize is that I am personally part of that epidemic. I used to believe that I was more advanced from an evolutionary perspective because I had no wisdom teeth ever form in my jawsNow I believe that this one fact is an indication that my jaws are actually abnormally small.My concern now is that this may be contributing to an obstructed airway as a result.
The Structure/Form of My Jaw & Nostrils is Limiting my Airway and Breathing
I “KNOW ALREADY” though, that I have an obstructed airway because I have noted that I have a deviated septum… yup, that’s my nose you are looking up at above! Now I know why I tend to sleep on my left side and not my right and I suspect this is one of the reasons that I may be waking up at night! To test the resistance, I tried pulling my left cheek upwards with my fingertips to open the airway. The difference is like night and day!
The structure/form of my jaws and nostrils is limiting the healthy functioning of my airway and breathing!
Trying to find professionals locally who understand and help treat these issues has become somewhat problematic I am happy to say however, that I have found a dentist who has been doing work in this area for 30 years.I have an appointment to see him this Thursday morning.
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
I also suspect from the reading that I have done, that I may have a condition called UARS-Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome. UARS is not Sleep Apnea where you stop breathing completely, but rather experience more of a gasping or choking instead.
Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is on the spectrum of sleep disorders. Mild cases of sleep disorders are classified as UARS. The airway blockage is originating from the upper airway, or nasal passage causing an increase in work of breathing.
It appears that women tend to be more prone to this problem and that it is not typically picked up on during standard sleep studies!
I have started to sleep with a silicone nose cone that opens that nostril so I get more air while sleeping, but I am curious to see what else he finds and recommends and what the downstream outcomes will be!
Dare I say, BETTER SLEEP!
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Until next time,
Kathleen
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