Obstructive Sleep Apnea—Part Five
Obstructive Sleep Apnea—Part Four
October 21, 2014Teeth Whitening
October 28, 2014
If you have recently been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you may be trying to figure out the best ways to treat this condition. There are many different methods that can be effective at helping you breathe better and get more restful sleep. Some of the treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include things you can do to or with your body, while others involve machinery and devices to keep your airways as unobstructed as possible.
Bodily Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Some of the easiest treatments for mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea are things that you can do yourself. Consider sleeping on your sides or stomach instead of on your back to help keep your airway open. Try losing a little weight if you are slightly overweight, and that may help decrease or stop your symptoms. Quitting smoking and drinking can go a long way in reducing or eliminating the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. As can getting regular exercise and adding a nasal decongestant to your nightly routine.
Device Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When self-treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea do not completely do the trick, you may want to consider adding some type of a device to your sleep. This can be a small device you place in your mouth to realign your jaw and keep your airway open, or this could be a small suction cup that fastens to your tongue to pull it forward and keep it from obstructing your airway. There are also sleeping masks you can wear that help pressurize your airway, keeping it open while you sleep. The most common is the CPAP machine, but there are more options out there.
When it comes to getting the proper treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, you need to find out what is best for you based on your doctor’s recommendation. They will have a better understanding of what your body needs to help you than you will, so ask all the questions you need when you talk with your doctor at the time of your diagnosis.