Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Management and Comorbidities

In the case of mild or moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, conservative treatment is required.

Conservative Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatments are listed below:

• Overweight people can reap benefits from maintaining a healthy body weight according to their BMI. Even, ten percent loss in weight can help you in the reduction of apneic episodes for almost ninety percent of people. However, losing weight could be a little difficult with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea due to the changes in metabolic rate and appetite that can happen due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
• People who are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea should avoid the consumption of hard beverages like alcohol and sedatives like sleeping pills. These substances make airways prone to collapse while sleeping causing frequent Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
• Sometimes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused due to the wrong sleeping posture, Sleeping on the side can or using a wedge pillow can help in Sleeping well.
• People with nasal congestion and inflammatory diseases should use nasal strips or nasal sprays for reducing snoring and effortless breathing while sleeping. A person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or any other sleep disorder should avoid sleep deprivation.

Other than these Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment, some mechanical methods can treat severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Mechanical Therapy

• Positive Airway Pressure Therapy: It is one of the most preferred Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment. In PAP people are obliged to wear masks over the nose and mouth. An air blow is used for providing the required amount of air pressure through the mouth and nose. The airways are adjusted in a way that prevents the upper airways from collapsing resulting in comfortable breathing. PAP helps in the opening of airways however, the episodes can return if the machine is not used properly or stopped completely. There are various styles of Positive Airway Pressure Therapy that can be customized according to the needs of the patient. These styles and types will include:
• CPAP: Continuous airway pressure therapy is the most common device used for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The machine is fixed at a single temperature.
• Bi-level PAP: In these two different types of pressure are set in the machine. Different pressure for inhalation and different for exhalation. This treatment is used if one is not able to get success from CPAP.
• Auto CPAP or Auto Bi-Level PAP: This equipment uses several pressures according to the pressure required detected in the machine.
• Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV): It is a type of non-invasive treatment that can be used for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. It provides pressure for opening airways and delivers mandatory breath when required.
• Mandibular advancement devices: These devices are for people who have mild or moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Dental or oral appliances are customized which helps in preventing the tongue from blocking the airways. It also makes the lower jaw forward which can make airways narrow.

Disclaimer: The facts and information contained in this article are obtained from reputed medical research organizations and do not necessarily reflect the opinions & beliefs of ResMed. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content is for informational purposes only and because each person is so unique, please consult a healthcare professional for any medical queries.