Treatment FAQ

who does apnea treatment

by Oliver Mayer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Procedures

The following are the most natural way of preventing this disorder:

  • Sleep on your side – It has been found that those who snore generally sleep on their back. ...
  • Elevate your head – You can prop your upper body by using pillows in order to allow oxygen to go through your airways.
  • Exercise for throat and tongue – There is an exercise for the throat and tongue which strengthens them. ...

More items...

Self-care

  • What are the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headache, concentration difficulty, high blood pressure, and decreased libido
  • What are the causes of obstructive sleep apnea? It happens when the throat muscles relax too much to allow normal breathing. ...
  • Who is prone to Obstructive Sleep Apnea? ...

See more

Some of the most common cardiac side effects of untreated sleep apnea are:

  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

How to cure sleep apnea naturally at home without CPAP?

While scientists and medical professionals are still studying sleep apnea and what causes it, the most common number that appears is 4. It is normal for a person to have up to 4 sleep apneas per hour. While the number itself doesn’t seem too large, if you are trying to sleep for up to 8 hours, that is over 32 in a single night!

What helps sleep apnea naturally?

What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?

How many apneas per hour is normal?

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What is the name of the doctor for sleep apnea?

Once the doctor has completed their assessment, they may refer the person to a somnologist, a doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of sleep disorders. Somnologists perform sleep studies to monitor what happens in a person's brain and body while they sleep.

What is the best doctor to see for sleep apnea?

Pulmonologist. These doctors specialize in lungs. A pulmonologist can prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help you breathe at night. They can also diagnose you with any other lung conditions that could be affecting your sleep, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Do ent treat sleep apnea?

ENTs can treat sleep apnea many ways Most ENTs start with restoring proper breathing during the day and night. Many times this ends the sleep apnea without the use of any special devices. The ENT will exam you and may order imaging tests to get a good look at your airways.

Does an endocrinologist treat sleep apnea?

OSA is pertinent to endocrinologists for at least three reasons. First, some endocrine and metabolic disorders (obesity, acromegaly, hypothyroidism, etc.) are associated with a high frequency of OSA, and treatment of the underlying endocrine disorder can improve and occasionally cure OSA.

Why do I need to see a pulmonologist for sleep apnea?

Pulmonologist. Pulmonologists are very familiar with sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) because it's basically when you stop breathing while sleeping due to a blockage in the airway (learn more about that here).

Do neurologists treat sleep disorders?

Neurologists tend to provide treatment for sleeping disorders when the cause is thought to be neurological. Central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome can all be related to neurological issues and are best treated by a neurologist.

What kind of doctor should I see for snoring?

An ear nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) may examine your throat and neck and the inside of your mouth to diagnose the cause of snoring.

Can an ENT prescribe a sleep study?

We conclude that an otolaryngologist, using state-of-the-art home sleep testing equipment, can accurately and cost-effectively prescribe home sleep studies.

How do doctors diagnose sleep apnea?

Tests to detect sleep apnea include: Nocturnal polysomnography. During this test, you're hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

What hormone causes sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is also related to resistant hypertension, which may be a result of excess levels of the hormone aldosterone, which directly correlates to severe sleep apnea, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Can a endocrinologist help with sleep?

If you are experiencing persistent insomnia, consider seeing an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in hormone disorders. Establishing hormone balance can lead to normal, refreshing sleep which is the body's own way of healing a myriad of health problems.

Is sleep apnea related to hypothyroidism?

Patients with hypothyroidism typically have enlarged thyroids. This swelling can lead to obstructed airways and potentially sleep apnea. People with an underactive thyroid are more likely to develop sleep apnea, and about 4 in 10 people with an underactive thyroid also have sleep apnea.

Therapy Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Multiple non-invasive treatment options for sleep apnea exist, some of which are more effective than others. Non-surgical options fall into two categories: positive airway pressure (PAP) devices and oral appliances.

Surgical Treatments for Sleep Apnea

When non-invasive devices fail to adequately treat sleep apnea, a sleep specialist may recommend surgery to help prevent lapses in breathing during sleep. The type of surgery a person might undergo depends on their unique anatomy and what is causing their breathing issues.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Sleep Apnea

Multiple lifestyle factors may be able to reduce severity of OSA symptoms.

How to Pick The Right Sleep Apnea Treatment For You

Usually, a person’s sleep specialist determines which sleep apnea treatment is best for them based on their unique symptoms and health situation. Along with treatment of any underlying health conditions, a CPAP machine is usually the first treatment prescribed for sleep apnea.

Talking With Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Once your sleep specialist gives you a sleep apnea diagnosis, they will outline their plan for your treatment.

What is the treatment for sleep apnea?

These inserts stiffen and support the tissue of the soft palate and reduce upper airway collapse and snoring. This treatment is recommended only for people with mild obstructive sleep apnea.

How to stop snoring while sleeping?

To eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP machine delivers just enough air pressure to a mask to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing snoring and sleep apnea.

What is an oral appliance?

Though positive airway pressure is often an effective treatment, oral appliances are an alternative for some people with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These devices may reduce your sleepiness and improve your quality of life. These devices are designed to keep your throat open.

Why is CPAP used?

CPAP is more commonly used because it's been well studied for obstructive sleep apnea and has been shown to effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea . However, for people who have difficulty tolerating fixed CPAP, BPAP or APAP might be worth a try.

What tests are used to detect obstructive sleep apnea?

Tests to detect obstructive sleep apnea include: Polysomnography. During this sleep study, you're hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung and brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

How to get rid of obstructive sleep apnea?

For milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes: Lose weight if you're overweight. Exercise regularly. Drink alcohol moderately, if at all, and don't drink several hours before bedtime. Quit smoking. Use a nasal decongestant or allergy medications. Don't sleep on your back.

What is a CPAP mask?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks and headgear come in many styles and sizes to comfortably treat your sleep apnea. Everyone has different needs, preferences and face shapes, and sometimes you will need to try different mask styles before you find the one that works the best for you.

Lifestyle Changes

Mayo Clinic notes that your doctor may recommend some alterations in your lifestyle to address the symptoms of mild sleep apnea.

Other Airway Pressure Devices

Some people require a different type of airway pressure machine to get relief from sleep apnea symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic. Unlike a CPAP machine, which emits air at a single constant pressure, a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine emits increased pressure during inhalation and reduced pressure during exhalation.

Oral Appliances

An oral appliance may be another option for you if you’re unable to comply with CPAP therapy. Oral appliances come in a variety of forms, and the most popular option is a mandibular advancement device (MAD), which resembles a mouthguard. These devices keep the airway unobstructed during sleep by repositioning the lower jaw.

Surgery

Surgery is an option when other less-invasive methods like CPAP therapy have failed to bring relief, according to Mayo Clinic. However, for a small number of patients with particular structural jaw issues, it’s the first line of defense.

Think you may have a sleep disorder? Start your journey to more restful sleep TODAY

Untreated sleep disorders can negatively affect your physical and emotional health. Sleep testing can help you get the answers you need to receive the treatment you deserve. WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.

What Is Central Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is when a person’s breathing repeatedly starts and stops while they are asleep. Central [1] sleep apnea is caused by the brain not sending signals to the muscles that regulate breathing. Central sleep apnea can result from various health and situational circumstances, and we will cover these in detail further below.

Central Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have central sleep apnea and should schedule a visit with your doctor.

What Causes It?

According to experts, less than ten percent [4] of patients referred to sleep laboratories have central sleep apnea. Though the numbers are significantly lower than obstructive, central sleep apnea can be just as dangerous to individuals’ health.

Diagnosing CSA

To get a formal central sleep apnea diagnosis, you will need to first consult your doctor, who will likely do an initial evaluation. Following this, your physician may refer you to a sleep specialist for further testing.

How to Treat Central Sleep Apnea

By addressing the root cause of your CSA, a healthcare professional can help you find the best central sleep apnea treatment plan. The Mayo Clinic reports that the following remedies can aid with central sleep apnea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Certain factors can put some at a greater risk of developing central sleep apnea, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.

What is CPAP treatment?

CPAP treatment. Short for continuous positive airway pressure, CPAP is a common treatment for moderate-to-severe sleep apnea (although research suggests it may be helpful for people with mild sleep apnea, too). It consists of a mask worn over the mouth and nose during sleep. Some people can use a mask that only covers the nose mask, ...

How to cure sleep apnea?

Losing enough weight can sometimes cure the condition. Quitting smoking. Tobacco smoke can cause the airways to swell, worsening sleep apnea. Not drinking alcohol. Drinking before bedtime can cause the muscles in the upper airways to relax, making the tissue droop down into the airway. Side sleeping.

Why is my CPAP mask clunky?

The mask is attached to a machine that gently blows air into the airways to keep them open. CPAP is an effective treatment, but it can also be clunky. Discomfort is one reason why up to 83% of people who try CPAP don't stick with the treatment. CPAP uses the same level of pressure when you inhale and exhale.

How many people have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects over 18 million adults in the U.S., according to the National Sleep Foundation. The most common treatment recommended for this condition, which can range from mild to severe, is the CPAP machine. But because it can be bulky, loud, and uncomfortable to wear, most patients don't stick with it.

What is the most common form of sleep apnea?

In the most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, the throat muscles relax, letting the tissue in the back of the throat droop down and obstruct the airway. In addition to causing daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea is linked to a number of adverse health conditions.

Why do dentists make oral appliances?

Oral appliances are custom-made by your dentist and are designed to either push the lower jaw and tongue forward or keep the tongue in place in order to keep the airway open while you sleep . This option is often preferred by those who qualify because it's more convenient and less costly.

What is a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty?

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty removes tissue from the upper part of the mouth and the back of the throat. Sometimes, doctors remove large tonsils and adenoids, to create more room for air to flow. Some patients, however, may still need CPAP treatment after the procedure.

What is Mild Sleep Apnea?

Those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience repeated airway blockages and disrupted breathing during sleep. A mild sleep apnea diagnosis means that you experience fewer breathing interruptions per each hour of sleep than someone with moderate or severe sleep apnea.

Mild Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

According to Mayo Clinic, the most common treatment for moderate and severe sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves a machine that supplies air flow through a face mask.

Think you may have sleep apnea? Start your journey to more restful sleep TODAY

Untreated sleep disorders can negatively affect your physical and emotional health. Sleep testing can help you get the answers you need to receive the treatment you deserve. WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common form of sleep apnea caused by the blockage of airways during sleep, which results in repeated breathing interruptions. These blockages typically result from abnormally-relaxed muscle tissues in the mouth or throat.

Central Sleep Apnea Treatment

Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a problem with the brain signals that control normal breathing during sleep—resulting in temporary periods of stopped breathing. Like obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea can be treated with a CPAP or BIPAP machine to help increase the flow of oxygen into your airways while you are sleeping.

Think you may have sleep apnea? Start your journey to more restful sleep TODAY

Untreated sleep disorders can negatively affect your physical and emotional health. Sleep testing can help you get the answers you need to receive the treatment you deserve. WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.

Measurements Of Plasma And Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels

Imani and associates stated that OSAS is associated with a variety of inflammatory factors. Specifically, pro-inflammatory cytokines appeared to be associated with the pathogenesis of OSAS.

The Story Of Denise H

Denise Hoover discovered the existence of Inspire therapy the old-fashioned wayshe read an article in the newspaper. And it came at a fortuitous time.

Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy Review Final Verdict

This device is suitable for people who are above the age of 18 years and suffer from moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea In Children

Most doctors follow these guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics: footnote 4

Repeat Sleep Study Indications

It may be necessary to perform repeat sleep studies up to twice a year for any of the following indications. performed in a healthcare facility is considered medically necessary for persons who meet criteria for attended NPSG in section I above in all other cases, unattended sleep studies are considered medically necessary):

Cms National Coverage Policy

Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1862 allows coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.

Inspire Surgery For Sleep Apnea

Inspire surgery for sleep apnea is the latest treatment for sleep apnea and an effective alternative to CPAP. Neurosurgery One now offers Inspire, the only FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea treatments that works inside your body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea with just the click of a button.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Govind Desai
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Lifestyle modifications usually help. If unresolved, therapies and surgery will be advised.
Procedures

Septoplasty: Correction of deviated septum in nose. Usually recommended in severe cases.

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removal of soft tissue on throat to widen the airway passage.

Adenoidectomy: Removal of large adenoids, a patch of soft tissues behind the nose.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Lose weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • Sleep on your side

Specialist to consult

Pulmonologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the respiratory system.
Sleep medicine specialist
Specializes in treating sleep disorders.
Psychiatrist
Specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Dentist
Specializes in the treatment of diseases associated with teeth and gums.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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Your doctor may make an evaluation based on your signs and symptoms and a sleep history, which you can provide with help from someone who shares your bed or your household, if possible. You're likely to be referred to a sleep disorder center. There, a sleep specialist can help you determine your need for further evaluation. …
See more on mayoclinic.org

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