Management of Sleep Apnea
The common sleep disorder, sleep apnea, has become a nuisance to the daily lives of millions of individuals. This condition can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The methods of treatment and management of sleep apnea can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. A professional health care provider can recommend CPAP devices, lifestyle changes, oral appliances or surgery depending on the individual’s needs and severity. Understanding how to manage sleep apnea can greatly improve an individual’s daily life and lead to the prevention of many related diseases.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
One of the first options recommended by healthcare professionals is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is a device that involves wearing a mask that covers the nose or mouth. This mask is attached to a machine that delivers continuous streams of air to keep the airway open. There are different (CPAP) machines available, with varying pressure and mask styles. A doctor or sleep specialist will be able to find the right device to give the best comfort and results. CPAP is one of the first recommended and efficient ways of reducing symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
Lifestyle Changes
Another effective means of managing sleep apnea is through lifestyle changes. This means can be suggested by a doctor if the severity of sleep apnea is low. Since obesity, alcohol or drug use and smoking can all lead to sleep apnea, adjusting in these areas can greatly help individuals. Excess weight can put pressure on the airway, while alcohol relaxes the muscles in the throat, making sleep apnea worse. Smoking and drug use can increase inflammation and narrowing of the airways. If individuals adjust their lifestyle in these areas, they can see improvement in their symptoms associated with sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances
When sleep apnea is mild or moderate, healthcare providers would recommend an oral device to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. The oral appliance works by repositioning the jaw or tongue to prevent the collapse of the airway. These are generally custom-made by a dentist or orthodontist to fit your mouth. Due to their comfortable and easy to use nature, they can be an easily recommended solution. Oral appliances are safe and effective to manage sleep apnea, allowing an individual to improve their sleep experience.
Surgery
In cases of severe or complex sleep apnea that has not shown any improvement from the previous options available, surgery becomes a viable option. This process involves the removal of excess tissue blocking the airway. Other surgery can be used where repositioning the upper and lower jaws can be done to create more space for the airways. Nasal surgery is another method if an issue such as a deviated septum is causing the issue. These surgical methods are generally reserved for severe cases that have not shown any response to other treatments.
As the number of people diagnosed with sleep apnea grows, knowing that it is possible to manage this condition can greatly relieve the stress and anxiety associated with this condition. The doctors at Affordable Dental Care PC can certainly discuss with you the possible treatments that can improve your overall life. This can certainly prevent many of the diseases that are correlated with an untreated sleep apnea condition.
