An Overview of Sleep Apnea Treatments
The specific treatments recommended for a patient with
sleep apnea are based on the patient's medical history, physical exam, and the results of polysomnography or other tests.
Specific Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Possible sleep apnea treatments include:
- Behavioral changes such as weight loss, learning to sleep on one's side instead of one's back, and avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills, and smoking. In milder cases of sleep apnea, behavioral changes may be enough to stop the sleep apnea.
- Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP is generally required for successful sleep apnea treatment. In CPAP therapy, a mask is worn over the nose while sleeping, and a machine supplies pressurized room air to the mask through a flexible tube. The pressurized air keeps the airway open. There are various types of CPAP machines.
- An oral or dental device (mouthpiece) that holds the tongue or jaw forward.
- Surgery. Some of the more common procedures include removal of adenoids and tonsils, especially in children; removal of nasal polyps or other growths; and correction of structural deformities.
- Medications are generally not effective at treating sleep apnea. However, if nasal congestion is contributing to breathing problems, decongestants may help.
Although there is no cure for sleep apnea, recent studies show that successful treatment can reduce the risk of heart and
blood pressure problems.
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