Treatments for Sleep apnea
Treatment list for Sleep apnea: The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for 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 Sleep apnea: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Sleep apnea:
Treatments of 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
The specific therapy for sleep apnea is tailored to the individual
patient based on medical history, physical examination, and the results of
polysomnography, a test that records a variety of body functions during
sleep. Medications are generally not effective in the treatment of sleep
apnea. Oxygen administration may safely benefit certain patients but does
not eliminate sleep apnea or prevent daytime sleepiness. Thus, the role of
oxygen in the treatment of sleep apnea is controversial, and it is
difficult to predict which patients will respond well. It is important
that the effectiveness of the selected treatment be verified; this is
usually accomplished by polysomnography,. Treatment may include behavioral
therapy, physical or mechanical therapy, or surgery.2
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page: NINDS
2. excerpt from Sleep Apnea: NWHIC
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