Proper diagnosis can help you get the suitable treatment, based on your condition for OSA.
Let us have a look at the range of treatment options available for OSA.
Non-invasive treatment methods:
- CPAP therapy- Control positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most commonly used treatment options for sleep problems such as OSA. The CPAP machine keeps your throat from collapsing, due to lack of air for breathing. This is done by gently blowing pressurized air through your airway.
- Oral devices- Certain oral/dental devices are also adopted as treatment methods for OSA. Mandibular advancement device (MAD) and tongue retaining device are some of the options. MAD shifts the lower jaw to front, making it easier to breathe by opening the airway. A tongue retaining device does the same, by moving the tongue forward as you sleep.
Invasive treatment methods:
- Surgery- Surgery is required only in cases where extra tissues in your throat or nose block the airway. Enlarged tonsils, and deviated septum are few of the conditions that would require surgery as a treatment option for curing OSA.
- The methods for surgeries differs, depending on the place of origin of OSA and the condition of it among people. Nasal surgery, Mandibular Advancement surgery, and UP3 are some of the types of surgeries performed to cure OSA.
Self-help treatment methods and lifestyle changes:
These include lifestyle adaptations that can reduce chances of apnea episodes during sleep.
- Say no to alcohol- Alcohol and a few other medicines like tranquilizers, sedatives or sleeping pills may relax throat muscles, thereby - making it difficult to breathe.
- Avoid smoking- Smoking can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the throat and upper airway, which can contribute to OSA. Quitting this habit will help in eliminating this condition, and providing relief to an extent.
- Maintain a proper sleep schedule- Having a proper sleep schedule, and getting a complete sleep will help in lowering the episodes of OSA.
- Weight loss- Losing weight can have help in reducing the episodes of OSA in mild to moderate cases. A 10% drop in weight can work in the favour of the patient, in most cases. Weight loss opens the throat and the upper airway, to let you breathe more easily.
- Regular exercise- Exercising regularly will not only help you lose weight, but also improve your quality and duration of sleep. Resistance training and aerobic exercise can reduce the symptoms of OSA. Yoga can also help in strengthening muscles in the airway, resulting in improved breathing.
