Sleep apnea causes a short supply of oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. The interference in breathing during sleep can be a potential cause of many medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, depression, worsening of ADHD, headaches, and stroke. If left untreated, it will also have many adverse effects on daily activities. It may lead to vehicle accidents, underachievement in schools and workplaces.
Treatment is recommended by the doctor based on the evaluation of signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. An evaluation often involves overnight monitoring of the body functions during sleep. Some of the effective treatment procedures include;
Lifestyle changes
Doctors may recommend only lifestyle changes for milder cases of sleep apnea. Losing excess weight and quitting smoking and avoiding abuse of alcohol are the basic lifestyle changes that may be expected from patients.
Treatment for allergies
If an individual suffers from nasal allergies, they should be treated appropriately. Nasal allergies cause blockage in the airway and make breathing difficult.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
If the sleep apnea condition is moderate to severe, CPAP mask may be recommended to give pressure to the air passing through a blocked nose.
Oral appliances
Oral appliances help to keep the throat open. These are fitted by a dentist or an orthodontist.
Surgery
Surgery is usually not the first option. It is recommended only when other treatments fail to give results. It is often recommended for certain jaw structures. It may be noted that surgery cannot guarantee relief from sleep apnea. Some of the surgical options might include: