How To Deal With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep is an essential activity for all living creatures. Unobstructed sleep is a blessing to many. Many people tend to stop breathing during sleep. This disorder is called obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is potentially dangerous, and can sometimes cause the death of the patient. It is essential to recognize and treat this disorder as soon as possible
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing problem. It causes the patient to start and stop repeatedly breathing while sleeping. The upper nasal airway of the patient gets blocked, which causes trouble breathing.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The causes of obstructive sleep apnea are:
Excess Weight
Obesity highly affects sleep apnea. Most people who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fat deposits in the upper nasal airway cause difficulty in breathing.
Old Age
People in their 60s and 70s have a higher chance of getting obstructive sleep apnea.
Narrowed Airway
Naturally narrow airways or enlarged tonsils cause obstructive sleep apnea.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
People with hypertension frequently experience obstructive sleep apnea.
Chronic Nasal Congestion
Reg Obstructive sleep apnea is twice as common in people who have regular nighttime nasal congestion. This could be due to congested airways.
Hyperthyroidism
Obesity caused by hyperthyroidism can cause obstructive sleep apnea.
Medical Conditions
Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are two conditions that may increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal disorders, prior stroke, and chronic lung diseases such as asthma can all increase risk.
Use Of Alcohol Or Sedatives
Alcohol and sedatives relax the muscles of your throat. These can also cause obstructive sleep apnea.
Smoking
Inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway is increased by smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to get obstructive sleep apnea than non-smokers.
Allergies
People who tend to get allergic reactions like asphyxiation are more likely to get obstructive sleep apnea.
Family History
obstructive sleep apnea can also be hereditary. Having family members with this condition might increase the patient’s risk.
How To Deal With Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
There are several ways to reduce the effects of obstructive sleep apnea:
Weightloss
Weight management through diet, exercise, and medication can decrease the risks of obstructive sleep apnea. Losing weight may lower blood pressure, improve quality of life, and reduce daytime sleepiness.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The most popular and effective way to treat it is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The patient wears a mask while they sleep and the CPAP machine pushes a steady stream of air through it. The airway stays open as a result. Patient’s can sleep better and snore less as a result.
Bilevel-Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
A BiPAP machine delivers a stream of air to keep the airways open while the patient sleeps. A BiPAP does not always deliver the same, constant pressure as a CPAP does. The BiPAP gives the patient less air while they breathe out because some CPAP users have trouble exhaling with that constant pressure.
Sleeping Sideways
Many people who sleep on their backs snore and have obstructive sleep apnea. Positional therapy tries to get you to sleep in different ways. To encourage the patient to sleep on their side, they might wear something around their waist or back, such as a tennis ball stuffed inside a sock and pinned to the back of their pajamas. Some appliances gently remind the patient to turn over by vibrating.
Nasal Decongestant
Nasal decongestant help opens up airways and makes breathing easier. Breathing strips also show success in some cases.
Limit Alcohol
Drinking alcohol before sleep may worsen the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. Moderate amounts of alcohol have a little effect too.
Surgery
The last resort to treat obstructive sleep apnea is surgery. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is the most common procedure. The patient’s tonsils and uvula are removed, along with the palate’s soft tissue, by surgeons. The nose, other soft tissues, or jawbones may be the subject of additional operations.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment In Brentwood
It is best to cure such conditions before they take on a dangerous phase. Professionals at Brentwood Dental Group in Brentwood, MO, provide the most accurate diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea. Contact our office now and book your appointment to get treated as quickly as possible!