Sleep apnea can be both a dangerous and serious health concern, especially if it gets worse as time goes by. However, people affected by this form of sleep disorder should not worry too much. That is because there are many different types of treatment easily available. The sufferer need only go to the doctor, who specializes in such health problems.
It is important to note that there are two key goals in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Firstly, restoring regular breathing, especially during sleeping hours and secondly, to relieve basic symptoms like daytime sleepiness and loud snoring during sleep. It may also be satisfying to know, for most sleep apnea sufferers, that available treatment for the condition could also significantly reduce medical problems, that are directly linked to the sleeping disorder. Such diseases include hypertension, diabetes, and heart ailments.
Basic treatment options for sleep apnea include, mouthpieces, breathing devices, lifestyle changes, and surgery. There are still no regulatory approved medicines, that are specifically aimed at sleep apnea treatment. As mentioned, the best initial step to attain an effective treatment for the sleep disorder, is to approach a specialist or doctor and discuss the most suitable treatment options available to you.
Mouthpieces for sleep apnea are often called oral appliances. They can specifically help sufferers of mild sleep apnea. Such instruments are usually recommended to people who snore very loudly, whether they have sleep apnea or not. Orthodontists and dentists, often custom-make plastic mouthpieces to treat sleep apnea. These objects help adjust the lower jaw and the tongue, so that your airways are kept open even during sleep. However, a fair amount of pain or discomfort may be caused by these devices. Periodic visits to the doctor are often necessary.
There are also more advanced breathing devices available for treating sleep apnea. Severe cases in adults, often call for the use of CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure. This is a special machine, which uses a mask, fitted over the nose and mouth, which gently blows air into the throat. This air presses against the airway wall. Air pressure is then adjusted, so that narrowing of the airway is prevented and blockage problems are eliminated. CPAP should ideally be set up and installed by a technician.
To treat sleep apnea effectively, you should also endeavour to make several lifestyle changes, specifically:
1. Reduce your intake of alcohol and sleeping pills, as such substances make it harder for the throat to remain open during sleep.
2. Lose weight, especially if you are obese or overweight.
3. Try sleeping on your side instead of on your back, as doing so can help keep your throat open and make breathing easier.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Keep your nasal passages wide open all night, through the use of nose sprays and allergy medicines.
Finally, if all else fails, you could possibly opt for the more drastic option of surgery. This is performed to further widen a person’s breathing passages. Such an operation usually comprises of shrinking, stiffening, and removing excess tissue, located in the throat or mouth, in addition to resetting the lower jaw. In some cases, tonsils are also removed.