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Sleep Apnea Treatment
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment:The most common kind of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Sleep apnea means "cessation of breath." It is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea. Individuals that are often over-weight, snore loudly, and have chronic daytime sleepiness have the most diagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea disorders. The diagnosis of Sleep Apnea is determined and confirmed by sleep laboratory studies. Patients' symptoms and the frequency of respiratory events on laboratory testing are important factors in determining the severity of disorder. In patients with mild sleep apnea, conservative treatment measures include getting sufficient sleep, abstaining from the use of alcohol and sedatives, losing weight, and avoiding laying flat on your back during sleep. Continuous positive airway pressure is the most constantly effective treatment for clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea. High quality sleep mattresses have proven to cut down snoring and APNEA related issues. In general, heavier patients with thicker necks require higher pressure settings. As patients' age or gain weight, additional pressure may be necessary. Bi-level pressure machines or machines that slowly ramp up the pressure may increase patient acceptance of CPAP therapy. Complications of CPAP use include nasal dryness and congestion, claustrophobia, facial skin abrasions, air leaks, and conjunctivitis. Strategies to improve patient compliance include allowing patients to try a number of masks to find the most comfortable fit, adding humidification, treating nasal disease and, most importantly, providing close follow-up and encouragement. Oral appliances are inconsistently effective in the management of obstructive sleep apnea but may be an option in patients with mild disease who cannot tolerate CPAP. Palatal surgery often decreases snoring but may not reduce the occurrence of sleep apnea. Many find the use of CPAP machines to be both restrictive and invasive. Those with certain sensitivities and claustrophobia may come to feel that the discomfort of CPAP therapy is almost worse than suffering with OSA itself. For those patients, and anyone else who is seeking an alternative treatment, there are less-invasive therapies available. Unique physical therapy regimens have been developed to treat and permanently cure sleep apnea without the use of restrictive equipment. Treatments such as the My Sleep Apnea Cure Physical Therapy Program have restored the sleep quality of many satisfied patients. Following a daily routine of special exercises, the sleep apnea sufferer may discover that they can overcome the disorder on their own. These exercises target the weakened muscles and tissue which are the source of OSA. By strengthening and retraining these muscles, the patient can open up their airway and enjoy more restful and uninterrupted sleep. |
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