Obstructive sleep apnea
Alternate Names : Sleep apnea - obstructive, Apnea - obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, Sleep-disordered breathing
Treatment
The goal is to keep the airway open so that breathing does not stop during sleep. The following lifestyle changes may relieve symptoms of sleep apnea in some individuals: - Avoiding alcohol or sedatives at bedtime
- Avoiding sleeping on the back
- Losing weight
CPAP is now regarded as the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in most people. Many patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Good follow-up and support from a sleep center can often help overcome any problems in using CPAP. For information on this treatment, see: CPAP. Some patients may need dental devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward. Surgery may be an option in some cases. This may involve: - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) -- to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat
- More invasive surgeries -- to correct abnormal structures of the face in rare cases when patients have severe sleep apnea or treatment has not helped
- Tracheostomy -- to create an opening in the windpipe to bypass the blocked airway if there are anatomical problems (rarely done)
- Surgery on the nose and sinuses
Surgery to remove the tonsils and adenoids may cure the condition in children; it does not seem to help most adults.
Prognosis (Expectations)
With treatment, the symptoms of sleep apnea should be totally corrected.
Complications
Because of daytime sleepiness, people with sleep apnea have an increased risk of: - Motor vehicle accidents from driving while sleepy
- Industrial accidents from falling asleep on the job
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea may lead to, or worsen cardiovascular disease, such as:
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if: - You have excessive daytime sleepiness
- You or your family notice symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
- You have this condition, and symptoms do not improve with treatment or new symptoms develop
Seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if you experience the following signs of a medical emergency:
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