Sleep Apnea Treatments
Fortunately for the majority of sleep apnea sufferers, sleep apnea treatments exist that usually remedy the affliction completely or at least render the apnea manageable enough so that the sufferer is no longer adversely affected. Sleep apnea treatments vary according the underlying cause of the disorder and since the causes can vary from substance abuse to obesity, are often not the same for each patient.
The ultimate goal of any sleep apnea treatment is to ensure that the airway remains open and unblocked during the entire sleeping period. Physicians will lost always attempt to treat sleep apnea without the aid of medication or medical devices if possible to ensure that the patient is cured or adequately treated with as little inconvenience and with as smooth a transition as possible.
Since the majority of sleep apnea sufferers are afflicted with the condition as a result of being overweight, the natural course of action for the physician to recommend in treating sleep apnea is to prescribe lifestyle changes such as healthier eating habits and possibly a moderate exercise program to help the patient lose excess weight.
Other sleep apnea sufferers that may benefit from treatments other than medication or medical interference are those sufferers that have the sleep apnea condition as a result of using certain drugs or alcohol before bedtime. The sleep apnea sufferer that has sleep apnea as a result of drugs or alcohol use typically experiences artificial relaxation of the throat muscles as a result of the substance. Many times, all it takes is a discontinuance of use of the substance to eventually cure the apnea condition.
More direct sleep apnea treatments may be required in pervasive cases. One such method is known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A CPAP is a mechanical medical device that assists the patient in breathing during sleeping hours. It typically involves the use of a mask that is specially-designed for this purpose worn over the mouth and nose (or sometimes, just the nose) throughout the night. Sufferers from sleep apnea due to a misalignment of the jaw may find relief from a mechanical device that is inserted into the mouth during sleeping hours that pushes the jaw forward, relieving pressure on the airways as well.
More extreme cases may require surgery to remove tissue that is deemed excessive from the throat of the sleep apnea patient. Tissues that may be treated include enlarged adenoids or tonsils. Furthermore, some patients may benefit from a surgical opening of the trachea, essentially creating a bypass of airways that are prone to blockage during sleeping periods. Children suffering from sleep apnea often do so as a result of enlarged tonsils and likely benefit from their removal for relief.