CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most frequently used option for treatment. The website UpToDate suggests that all patients diagnosed with sleep apnea should be offered CPAP as a treatment option. CPAP is a mask that is placed over the nose or mouth that will blow air continuously throughout the night. This continuous movement of air will prevent the airway from collapsing and will help decrease the episodes of cessation of breathing.
Many studies and trials have been done on CPAP. One study that involved 1160 patients, CPAP showed large improvement in day time sleepiness, function, and depression. Oral Appliances
If sleep apnea is mild and patients do not want to adhere to CPAP, oral appliances are an option. While oral appliances are not as effective as CPAP, they can still reduce the events of apnea. Oral appliances will either cause the jaw to protrude forward or will hold the tongue in place decreasing the incidence of it moving back and blocking the airway.
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Upper Airway Surgery
Surgery is usually the last option and is offered when CPAP or oral appliances do not work. There are varying types of surgeries that can be done and doctors will suggest which is best depending on the patient and the situation. Generally, surgeons will remove tonsils and trim the uvula and soft pallet. There have only been a small number of trials that have compared the benefits of CPAP to surgery. More research still needs to be done in order to show if surgery is more beneficial than CPAP or not.
Behavior Modification
There are several lifestyles that can be modified to help in the treatment of sleep apnea. A few include: weight loss and exercise, changing sleep position, decreasing use of alcohol, and avoiding benzodiazepine use.
Weight Loss and Exercise One of the risk factors for sleep apnea is being overweight or having a large neck circumference. By eating healthier and exercising regularly, weight loss can be achieved. Patients that do lose weight should strive to maintain their weight allowing the symptoms of sleep apnea to be reduced. Sleep Position Sleeping on your back in the supine position can increase the episodes of apnea during sleep. Sleeping on either side can help in the treatment of sleep apnea, but should not be relied on as the sole source of therapy. Alcohol and Benzodiazepine Avoidance Alcohol consumption can increase the sleep apnea symptoms experienced since it can depress the central nervous system. It can worsen day time sleepiness and increase weight. Benzodiazepines and other medications that inhibit the central nervous system can also increase the symptoms experienced. Doctors should be aware that patients have sleep apnea so different medications can be prescribed if needed and ones that inhibit the central nervous system can be avoided. |
Photo Credit
http://www.hiltonheadoralsurgery.com/img/banner-apnea.jpg
http://www.adkinsdentalmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/osa-appliances-1024x758.jpg
http://www.ent-specialist.org/sleep-apnea
References
http://www.uptodate.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/contents/management-of-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults?topicKey=SLEEP%2F7695&elapsedTimeMs=0&source=search_result&searchTerm=sleep+apnea&selectedTitle=3%7E150&view=print&displayedView=full#
http://www.hiltonheadoralsurgery.com/img/banner-apnea.jpg
http://www.adkinsdentalmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/osa-appliances-1024x758.jpg
http://www.ent-specialist.org/sleep-apnea
References
http://www.uptodate.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/contents/management-of-obstructive-sleep-apnea-in-adults?topicKey=SLEEP%2F7695&elapsedTimeMs=0&source=search_result&searchTerm=sleep+apnea&selectedTitle=3%7E150&view=print&displayedView=full#