Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated properly. It is a sleep disorder in which improper pauses in breathing during sleep disrupts a person’s daily functioning. Finding the right cure for sleep apnea can be crucial in improving and even saving lives. Fortunately many therapeutic and surgical methods are available to treat this condition.
We will discuss the treatment for three different kinds of sleep apnea: 1. Central (CSA) Obstructive (OSA) and Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea.
CSA is marked by a lowered respiratory effort that leads to an interruption in breathing. OSA is caused by an actual, physical obstruction in the respiratory canals, even when there is proper respiratory effort. Complex or Mixed Sleep Apnea is a combination of the two.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a machine that provides a mask to wear during sleep so that air pressure can be delivered properly to the sufferers’ air passageway. It is the most commonly used solution for treating apnea, mainly for its reliability, however, some people dislike the discomfort of having to wear a mask during sleep. A similar therapeutic device is the bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP). Unlike CPAP that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure, BPAP delivers the pressure only when necessary.
Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) has been recently approved by FDA. It is a small disposable device placed over the nose to allow free air flow. Another recently approved therapeutic method is called Adaptive sero-ventilation; ASV is a sophisticated airflow device that responds to the specific breathing pattern of each individual user by using computer technology.
There are some oral appliances, besides the nasal appliances mentioned that are easier to use. These devices protract the jaw to open the air passageway in the throat. Other supplemental oxygen therapies can also be delivered in a variety of ways to the lungs.
Surgery is usually the last resort cure for apnea. If therapeutic apnea treatments are ineffective, surgery can be performed to remove tissues and organs around the throat to create more breathing room. This procedure is known as. uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
Another surgical method is called maxillomandibular advancement, in which the jaw is protracted forward to create more space in the air passageway.
Severe, potentially fatal apnea during the sleep cycle calls for a more drastic measure. Tracheostomy is a highly invasive procedure in which an opening is created in the neck to insert a metal tube for airflow to enter.
Non-surgical therapeutic methods may be the best solution for apnea with milder symptoms. A few changes in lifestyle, such as changing diet or smoking cessation just might do the trick.
Many people suffer from mild to serious sleep apnea. Therapeutic machines and devices are available and are widely used and effective means of treating this condition. If all lifestyle changes and therapies fail, surgery may be necessary cure for sleep apnea. Surgery is used as last resort method and can be invasive but necessary, because the breath is life.