Treatments for Obstructive sleep apnea

Treatment list for Obstructive sleep apnea: The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Obstructive sleep apnea includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Specific treatments
- Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP)
- Dental appliances
- Decongestants - if blockage is from a stuffy nose or sinuses.
- Oxygen - somewhat controversial.
Surgery - for any physical airway abnormality or other physical problem.
- Adenoid removal
- Tonsil removal
- Nasal polyp removal
- Airway abnormality correction
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
- Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) - used more for snoring than for sleep apnea.
- Tracheostomy - only in very severe cases.
- Surgical jaw reconstruction
- Surgical obesity treatments
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid sleeping on back
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid sedatives
- Avoid narcotics
- Avoid sleeping pills
- Weight loss
- Diet control

Treatment of Obstructive sleep apnea: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Obstructive sleep apnea:

Adenotonsillectomy can reduce behavioral and emotional problems in children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea

Treatments of Obstructive sleep apnea discussion: For mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea, treatment often consists of using methods to avoid sleeping on one’s back. For people with significant nasal congestion, a decongestant therapy may be prescribed. Patients with obstructive and central apnea should avoid central nervous system depressants such as alcoholic beverages, sedatives and narcotics. Weight loss and diet control are encouraged for overweight patients. Many serious cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be relieved by a treatment called nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP). Nasal CPAP uses a mask-like device and pump that work together to keep the airway open with air pressure during each inspiration. Surgery may benefit some patients by eliminating or reducing the narrowing of the airway due to anatomical defects. ¹

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page: NINDS

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