Obstructive Apnea And How To Treat It

A potentially serious sleep disorder which affects at least twenty percent of Americans is sleep apnea. This is when a person’s breathing pauses while they are sleeping and it happens at least five times every hour. This can lead to many problematic symptoms such as those related to sleep deprivation, because the condition does just that: causes sleep deprivation.

There are a few different types of this disorder but the most common by far is obstructive sleep apnea. This is when the airway is obstructed which causes the breathing to stop for a period of time. The obstruction is due to structures in the mouth that are not properly supported. All of our muscles relax when we sleep but for some, when the muscles in the throat relax it can cause them to collapse, closing the airway.

The same tendency is what leads to snoring, except the airway is not blocked completely, just partially, causing the structures to vibrate as the air goes past creating the snoring noise. Snoring is almost always a part of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Obstructive apnea has a number of different treatment options. First of all, obesity is often a contributor to the problem because excess fat on the neck makes the air passageways more constricted anyway. For this reason weight loss can be helpful in treating obstructive apnea.

One of the most common treatments involves an oxygen machine known as a CPAP that is used during the night. It sends oxygen through a mask worn by the sufferer and keeps the airways open with a constant flow of air. This is a very effective method in most cases, but can be uncomfortable and is not a permanent solution to the problem.

There are also a few different types of sleep apnea surgery that you can have to help open up the airway. The surgery needs to be tailored specifically to your anatomy because it can be done on the base of the tongue, the throat the nasal passage etc. The tissue is tightened up and allows the area to keep its shape even during night time relaxation of muscles.

Other apnea surgeries include those in which the jaw is moved forward to create more space in the airway and different surgeries to help stiffen the tissues in the throat area.

As with most medical problems, it is best first to use non invasive means to treat the condition such as a special pillow to change your sleeping position or doing throat exercises. If these don’t work, and you are for some reason unable to use a CPAP machine, surgery is a good option that your doctor can help you look into.

 


 

Sleep Disorders News:

 

Sleep lab key for patients who need their zzzz's
Dr. Richard Feige is the clinic leader for the sleep program at Surrey Memorial Hospital...


NovaSom Awarded Joint Commission Accreditation Renewal As Ambulatory Care . - EON: Enhanced Online News (press release)

NovaSom Awarded Joint Commission Accreditation Renewal As Ambulatory Care .
EON: Enhanced Online News (press release)
GLEN BURNIE, Md.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--NovaSom Inc., the leader in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) home testing, announces it has earned renewal of The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval„˘ accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The .

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Sleep-apnea solutions drive small but growing Export firm - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sleep-apnea solutions drive small but growing Export firm
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The US market is growing quickly because of increasing awareness that obstructive sleep apnea has serious health implications, such as heart disease and stroke, and that many people with the condition haven't been diagnosed.

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New Treatment Can Help Veterans With Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Sacramento Bee

New Treatment Can Help Veterans With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sacramento Bee
23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- United States military veterans now have the option to use Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy, a small, non-invasive nasal device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ventus Medical, maker of Provent Therapy, .
Sleep Testing at Home Growing in Popularity among Medical Providers and PatientsSan Francisco Chronicle (press release)
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Pathways to a good night's sleepU-T San Diego
PR Web (press release)
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LMH expanding sleep center to meet growing need
When most people crawl into their warm, cozy beds at the end of the day, sleep is their escape from a hard days work. For millions of Americans with sleep disorders, though, getting a good nights rest isnt a readily available option. Lenoir...


Many adults develop sleep disorders as they age
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy drivers account for more than 100,000 crashes each year, including more than 1,500 fatalities...


Women suffer from sleep apnea, raised heart risks, too - USA TODAY

USA TODAY

Women suffer from sleep apnea, raised heart risks, too
USA TODAY
By Kathleen Doheny, HealthDay Just as it does in men, obstructive sleep apnea can raise the risk for women of dying from heart attacks and having other cardiovascular problems, a new Spanish study indicates. Sleep apnea -- characterized by repeated .
Sleep apnea is a serious conditionDaytona Beach News-Journal
Treating Women's Sleep Apnea May Lower Heart Death RiskWebMD
What is Sleep Apnea?La Crosse Tribune

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Crozer-Keystone continues to offer sleep disorders education and support group
The Crozer-Keystone Sleep Centers continue to offer the Sleep Disorders Education and Support Group. These meetings are for people who have a suspected sleep disorder or have already been diagnosed. Participants have the opportunity to share experiences, new ideas and support with others who may be having the same issues. Attendees are given the chance to learn about new state-of-the-art ...


 



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