How to deal with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder characterized by interruption of normal breathing due to blockage of throat airways. It is usually accompanied by lethargy during the daytime. Many people underestimate the problem and merely consider it as loud snoring. Most patients with sleep apnea are likely to witness such short breathing pauses multiple times during night though they may not be aware of it.

The predominant effects of sleep apnea include a decline in mental alertness, energy levels and productivity compared to the normal thresholds during the day. Chronic sleep deprivation caused by this disorder leads to excessive daytime sleepiness, poor reflexes, impaired concentration and increased risk of accidents. It can also result in mood swings, irritability and depression. In the long run, this condition causes dangerous consequences on physical health including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver problems.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Repeated episodes of acute loud snoring every night
• Incidences of choking, snorting and gasping
• Frequent breathing pauses
• Sudden awakening with shortness of breath
• Drowsiness and exhaustion during the day despite long hours of sleep

Less common signs include morning headaches, mouth dryness, restless sleep, unusual irritability, memory issues and frequent visits to bathrooms during the night. It is important to note that sleep apnea affects the quality of sleep resulting in extreme fatigue and sleepiness, unlike normal snoring.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Though the diagnosis of sleep apnea could be slightly difficult, it is a treatable condition. The cure for snoring in less severe cases can be done by adopting simple lifestyle changes –

• Losing weight- Losing weight can be beneficial for people who are overweight. They are likely to have extra tissue at the back of the throat which blocks the airways and prevents proper breathing.
• Quitting smoking-It is advisable to stop smoking as this habit increases inflammation and fluid retention in the throat region and the upper airways.
• Exercising regularly – Apart from aiding weight loss, physical activities and exercises can positively impact the quality and amount of sleep in individuals.
• Avoiding certain substances-Drinks like alcohol and certain drugs like sedatives and other sleeping pills taken before bedtime can interfere with the breathing process as they tend to relax the throat muscles. Likewise, heavy meals and caffeine products must be avoided before sleeping.
• Maintaining sleep schedules-It is important to maintain and follow a regular schedule as it provides better mental relaxation and promotes good quality sleep. People who have adequate sleep have lower attacks of sleep apnea.

However, for severe symptoms, medical evaluation and treatment for snoring are essential. The options include-

• Breathing Devices - Several clinical devices are available to overcome the blockage of airways. One of the most common ones is the Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) device which is essentially a mask that covers the mouth and nose.  It provides a continuous supply of air to keep the air passages open while sleeping. A saline nasal spray may also be used if there is a nasal block that inhibits breathing. Other assistive breathing devices include Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP), Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP) and Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) devices.
• Oral Appliances - Customized oral appliances are available for treating sleep apnea. These are gaining popularity as they are highly portable, comfortable and quieter compared to breathing devices. Some examples of oral appliances include mandibular advancement device and tongue retaining device.
• Surgical Route - Surgery for snoring is aimed at increasing the airway size to reduce the number of sleep apnea episodes. For this, the ENT surgeon may remove tonsils, adenoids or excessive tissue in the throat, do a jaw reconstruction surgery or make a plastic rod implantation in the palates. Laser surgery for snoring is a safe intervention today which fosters quick recovery of the patients. The latest advancements include pacemaker implants for opening airways through muscular stimulation.

Sleep Apnea treatment India offers promising results to patients with innovative healthcare technologies and affordable rates. For more information please contact this ENT hospital in Coimbatore.