Diagnose and Treat Sleep Apnea
Certified Medical Assistant Taylor Smith explains various treatment options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
The Diagnosis
In order to diagnose a patient with OSA, an overnight sleep study must first be performed. A sleep technician at an accredited sleep laboratory will attach electrodes and wires to the patient’s body. These will measure the patient’s breathing, eye movement, abdominal force and other factors, while the patient sleeps. The monitoring devices track what sleep stage the patient is in. A breathing monitor and a camera are also used to record the apnea symptoms.
Smith says many patients realize that they have a form of sleep apnea. They wake up and find that they can’t breathe for a few moments. Other patients think they don’t have a problem, and believe that they sleep well. It’s often their spouse who can’t deal with the excessive snoring, the awakenings and the sounds of the apneas, and this person often encourages the patient to seek treatment.
After the sleep study has concluded, doctors will take a look at the results with the patient.
The Treatment
One of the most natural treatments that’s available for OSA is known as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). In this treatment, the patient wears a mask or nasal unit, which is connected to a compressor by an air hose. A physician prescribes a specific level of pressure for the compressor, which forces air into the mouth and throat. This treatment expands the airway and prevents it from collapsing during a sleep apnea event.
Other treatment options include an oral mandibular advancement device. This is a dental appliance which can be used if certain conditions in the patient’s mouth are causing sleep apnea. Another option is a form of surgery performed by a nose-throat doctor, which corrects problems on the uvula and soft palate in the throat.
Dr Kal’s Addendum:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea can be caused and/or exacerbated by Obesity. By simply changing your lifestyle and losing some weight, you can treat and even cure the disease.
Diabetes is best prevented and treated by losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle. For a great nutrition plan designed to help Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics lose weight, read my review of the Nutrisystem D Plan.
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