The Possible Alternative Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

The Possible Alternative Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea.jpg

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep condition in which breathing starts and stops regularly. If you snore heavily and feel worn out after a good sleep, you may have sleep apnea.

The following are the most common types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax.

  • Central sleep apnea is a condition in which the brain cannot send adequate signals to the breathe regulator muscles.

  • Complex sleep apnea is a condition in which a person has both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Signs and Symptoms

Since the signs of OSA and CSA are similar, it can be difficult to tell which you have. The following are some of the most common signs of OSA and CSA:

  • Excessive snoring

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)

  • Sleep-related issues in which you stop breathing — which would be reported by someone else

  • Gasping for breathing in sleep

  • Awakening with a dry mouth

  • Headache in the morning

  • Difficulty remaining asleep (insomnia)

  • Difficulty paying attention while awake

CPAP Therapy

One of the most popular treatment strategies for sleep apnea that technologists and sleep doctors prescribe is CPAP therapy. But what if a patient would rather not use CPAP at all?

The good news is that those who choose to stop wearing a mask as much as possible can choose from a variety of other sleep apnea treatment choices. We've put together a list of five alternatives below.

Instead, use an oral/dental appliance

Oral sleep apnea treatment systems hold the tongue in place or slide the patient's jaw forward to keep the airway open so that they can breathe while sleeping. An oral device fitted by a dental specialist qualified in sleep medicine can be titrated by a sleep technologist. Sleep Apnea Surgery is a procedure that is used to treat sleep apnea. The most popular solutions include reducing or eliminating the excess throat tissue that blocks the airway as you sleep. Keep in mind that some surgeries are minimally invasive, while others are more complicated. However, surgery to cure sleep apnea usually entails surgery in one of the following areas:

  • Uvula and soft palate

  • Adenoids and tonsils

  • Tongue in cheek

  • Jaws, both upper and lower

Taking part in a weight-loss program

If your patient is overweight or obese, weight loss can help improve or remove their sleep apnea symptoms. People who are overweight frequently have thick necks and extra tissue in their throats, which can obstruct the airway.

Positional Therapy (PT) is a form of physical therapy

Positional therapy is a behavioral treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When lying on their back, some people develop sleep apnea. This is known as the "supine" position. Sleeping on the side makes it normal. Visiting OKOA in OKC could help you with sleep apnea treatment. At our clinic we treat pediatric ENT problems, allergy issues, sinus and more.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

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