Are-There-Other-Options-For-Sleep-Apnea-Treatment-Asides-CPAP

Are There Other Options For Sleep Apnea Treatment Asides CPAP?

Nov 02, 2021

Sleep is supposed to help the body calm and ‘reset’ for the next day’s activities. While we sleep, the body is in a quiet, relaxed state and all body systems work as they should. Sadly, this relaxing activity could become harmful to some people, such that while they are asleep, they suddenly stop breathing for some seconds. The condition is known as Sleep Apnea.

When you suddenly stop breathing while you’re asleep and also occurs a repeated number of times, this is sleep apnea. If untreated, this could result in serious health problems such as hypertension and heart failure.

If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a variety of complications. In adults, driving accidents and work-related injuries are not uncommon. Children tend to perform poorly in school and other extracurricular activities too.

The good thing, though, is that it’s not a death sentence, and sleep apnea treatment in Providence, RI options exist. Read on to find out more.

Types Of Sleep Apnea.

There are two main types of sleep apnea, and these are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is commoner than central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea presents as repetitive episodes of a complete or partial upper airway blockage during sleep. During these apneic episodes, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder because pressure increases to open the airway. Afterward, breathing resumes with either a loud gasp or a body jerk. These episodes can interfere with the flow of sound sleep, reduce oxygen flow to vital organs, and also cause heart rhythm irregularities.

Central sleep apnea is not a result of airway blockage, but the brain fails to signal muscles involved in breathing. This is due to instability in the respiratory control center.

How Do I Identify Sleep Apnea?

The first signs of OSA are usually not recognized not by the patient but most times by the bed partner or caregiver. Several of those affected have made no sleep complaints. The most common signs and symptoms of OSA include:

  • Snoring.
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening.
  • Cognitive impairment, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or irritability.
  • Night sweats.
  • Frequent nighttime urination.
  • Frequent nighttime awakenings.
  • Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Headaches.

The following symptoms are commoner in children and are identified by both the parents or caregivers and the teachers at school.

  • Poor school performance.
  • Inward movement of the ribcage when inhaling.
  • Unusual sleeping positions, such as sleeping on the hands and knees or with the neck hyper-extended.
  • Excessive sweating at night.
  • Sluggishness or sleepiness, often misinterpreted as laziness in the classroom.
  • Daytime mouth breathing and swallowing difficulty.
  • Learning and behavioral disorders (hyperactivity, attention deficits).
  • Bedwetting.

Diagnosis Of Sleep Apnea

Diagnosis of sleep apnea is based on your signs and symptoms, physical examination, and investigations or tests. The physical examination will have the back of your throat, mouth, and nose examined for extra tissue or abnormalities. For further evaluation, a patient is referred to a sleep specialist who would conduct additional evaluations to make a diagnosis, and determine the severity of your condition, and plan your treatment after that. Dentists in Providence, RI, are skilled in providing sleep apnea treatments in Providence RI, and you’d benefit greatly by scheduling a visit with them.

What Are The Sleep Apnea Treatment Options?

Treatment can be both conservative and medical, and sometimes surgical to provide a sleep apnea cure.
Conservative options would only see you being advised on lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, moderate alcohol consumption, and also not drinking in the hours before bedtime, quitting smoking, use of nasal decongestant or allergy medications, etc.

Devices could also be used, such as the positive pressure devices, and there can also be sleep apnea treatment provided without the positive pressure or CPAP. In this case, a sleep apnea mouthpiece will prove helpful. Here, these devices would allow your throat to open or keep your airway open by bringing your lower jaw forward, which would relieve snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

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