Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders; it is as prevalent as adult diabetes and asthma. Sleep Apnea is usually associated with loud or heavy snoring interrupted by pauses and gasps. Obstructive apneas occur when the muscles in the back of the throat are not able to keep the throat open. This causes blockages in the airway and breathing interruptions, or apneas. The blockage then not only disrupts sleep but also lowers the level of oxygen to the blood. OSA is associated with serious problems including automobile accidents, hypertension, heart disease, and mood and memory problems. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening and you should consult your doctor immediately if you feel may suffer from it.
For more information about OSA visit: www.sleepapnea.org Treatment of OSA:
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, the first thing to do is see your doctor. Your doctor will let you know treatment options, such as:
• Losing weight.
• Avoiding alcohol before bed.
• Avoiding sleeping pills.
• Lying on your side or stomach while sleeping.
• Taking medication to alleviate congestion in the nose.
If those treatments do not work, you will need to have a sleep study, and other treatment options will be offered, such as:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): is the most common, effective treatment for OSA. In this procedure, the patient wears a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth and gently blows air into the airway to help keep the throat open during sleep. CPAP Instructional Video
Dental Appliances: help some patients by opening the airway by repositioning the jaw and tongue. This treatment usually works on the patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
