Sleep Apnea Treatments And Medications

Sleep apnea requires the sufferer to be evaluated by a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, your doctor can then decide on the appropriate device and/or medications for this dangerous sleep disorder. It is important that you follow all of your doctor's recommendations in order to improve your quality of life.

Treatments for sleep apnea:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): Is a machine used for mild to moderate sleep apnea. The patient wears a mask that delivers air during sleep. It aids in keeping upper airway passages open, thus preventing apnea and snoring episodes. A humidifier is also recommended during use of the CPAP machine.

Adjustable airway pressure devices: If CPAP is a problem, you may like to try bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) These provide more pressure when you inhale and less when you exhale.

Oral appliances. Although CPAP is the more effective and preferre device, oral appliances may be an option for you. Oral devices are designed to keep the throat patent (open) by positioning the lower jaw and the tongue forward. This prevents obstruction of the trachea, which helps to reduce snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

There are many devices available, and you may need to try different ones to find the perfect match for your needs. You will do follow up visits with your doctor about every six months for re-evaluation and assessment of symptoms.

Surgical remedies:

Surgery is utilized to reduce excess tissue from the nose and throat area that may be causing narrowed airway passages. Surgical procedures include:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): During this procedure, your doctor removes excess tissue from the mouth and throat. Tonsils and adenoids are sometimes removed also. UPPP is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.

Maxillomandibular advancement: The upper and lower jaw is moved forward, enlarging the space behind the tongue and soft palate, avoiding occlussion (blockage). An oral surgeon, as well as an orthodontist work together in this procedure.

Tracheostomy: An incision is made in the anterior (front) in your neck and a tube is inserted that you can breathe through. This procedure bypasses the blockages in the trachea.

Laser-assisted Uvulopalatoplasty or Radiofrequency energy (radiofrequency ablation: Is mostly used for snoring treatment It is usually not recommended as the only treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Other types of surgery helps to clear or enlarge air passages:

Surgery to remove nasal polyps - Benign growths in the nasal passages Repair of deviated nasal septum - The tissue that separates the nostrilsTonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy - Removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Done primarily in children.

Treatments for central and complex sleep apnea:

Therapies include:

• Treatment for associated medical problems, such as heart or neuromuscular disorders


• Supplemental oxygen


• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)


• Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)

Lifestyle changes and other remedies:

• Lose excess weight


• Avoid alcohol and medications such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills, which relax the throat muscles causing obstruction.


• Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than the back.


• Saline nasal and throat sprays to help keep your nasal passages lubricated and moist.

Alternative treatments:

Natural herbal compounds and acupuncture have been used, but not intensely studied. However, they have been shown to offer some benefits. If you want to try any alternative remedies, speak with your doctor first. He may surprise you with alternative options that can help.

by Barb Hicks, RN