Handling Sleep Apnea With The Least Discomfort As Possible
December 4th, 2008 | by zoe |If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
Sleep apnea occurs when you regularly stop breathing for ten seconds or longer during sleep, and is caused by a blockage or narrowing of the airways in your nose, mouth or throat. This stoppage can unknowingly occur hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea is a very serious sleep disorder that requires immediate treatment. Because it is a progressive illness, the symptoms can worsen and eventually lead to other medical conditions that can be life threatening. If you have been diagnosed with this malady or suspect that you have it, then read on for more information on the options for treating sleep apnea and the possible side effects.
There are four basic approaches to apnea treatment, and they can be used in conjunction with one another. The simplest method involves changing the circumstances which may be causing the condition. The patient is advised to lose weight, quit smoking, avoid alcohol and sedative drugs, have a regular sleep schedule and try to sleep only on their side. The most common treatment option is using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in the upper airway to support and hold the airway open. This involves wearing a CPAP mask over the nose. The mask provides a supply of continuously flowing air via a flexible plastic hose from a CPAP machine. Studies have shown that when patients use CPAP, they not only slept better and were more alert during the day, but there were significant improvements in the size, shape and pumping action of their hearts.
The third apnea treatment option is the use of a dental splint to prevent the jaw and tongue from moving back and narrowing the airway. However, oral devices have not proved to be as effective as CPAP and the appliances can be uncomfortable. The fourth and most extreme form of treatment is surgery. This kind of procedure involves removal of the part of the soft palate that hangs down in the back of the throat, as well as the tonsils if present, and other soft tissue if it is felt to be excessive. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe sleep apnea.
To diagnose which treatment is best for you, your doctor will evaluate the symptoms you’re experiencing and their severity. If you think that treating sleep apnea is unnecessary, then consider the alternatives. Sleep apnea can lead to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Patients who do undergo treatment report fewer headaches, improved mood, higher energy and improved job performance.
Along with these methods for treating sleep apnea, there is research being done on other techniques and tools like implants. However, while a number of medical devices and procedures have received FDA clearance, sleep doctors aren’t currently recommending them because there’s not yet enough evidence to support their use. It’s best to go with your doctor’s recommendations and stay informed about advances in treatments becoming available.
Sleep disorders can impact a individual’s day to day living. They do not go through the right sleep cycles and their day to day lives start to be harmed from the deficiency of sleep that is. The disorders has the ability to be dangerous. A medical condition known as sleep apnea where the individual actually arrests breathing during the persons sleep. It is extremely dangerous and life threatening if not dealt with properly. You do not have to keep enduring. Even if snoring has become a problem, there are devices to help you get a quality nights sleep as well as feel rested in the morning hours. Click here for more information:
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