Sleep Apnea Treatments And Diagnosis
Sleep apnea is a problem where there are temporary breaks in the breathing cycle of a person during sleep. The person who has this sleep disorder normally makes snoring sounds while asleep that causes problems for their partner trying to fall asleep and should seek sleep apnea treatments if available.
Based on the symptoms such as sudden awaking during sleep at night, loud snoring and daytime sleepiness, one can go for a proper diagnosis if they believe they suffer from sleep apnea. The doctor who will diagnose you for the presence of sleep apnea will generally first ask for a detailed family history. Then the doctor will examine your nose, mouth, as well as throat for some enlarged tissues that might be obstructing the airflow causing breaks in your breathing pattern.
The common tests done by a doctor are:
-Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), in which the doctor records the time in which you fall asleep during the day. Falling asleep quickly indicates that you are probably not getting enough sleep at night.
-Polysomnogram (PSG), is a test in which your breathing pattern is recorded throughout the night by a sleep specialist and that information is used to determine if you have a sleep disorder.
If you are diagnosed with a case of serious sleep apnea, then more sophisticated medical treatments might be required, these include:
-Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), in which the person suffering from the sleep disorder of sleep apnea has to wear a special mask that keeps the airway open through the night while sleeping. It is the most common treatment offered for serious cases of sleep apnea. The airway is prevented from collapsing by pushing pressurized air through the mask and into the sufferers airway.
-Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which is basically a surgical method where the extra overgrown obstructive tissue is removed from the airway. The tissue is removed from nose, throat, neck, uvula or soft palate to remove the blockage of air. The surgeon may also consider adjusting the shape of your jaw, if it is believed to be in some way obstructive.
-Medical Mouthpieces, which are special types of mouthpieces, that help the person suffering from sleep apnea. Sufferers wear these while they sleep, it is designed to help them keep their airway broad and prevent choking during sleep. They basically keep the air passage clear through to the throat.
If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea, consult your doctor for diagnosis and to talk about the appropriate treatment.
Tags: daytime sleepiness, multiple sleep latency test, Polysomnogram, Sleep Apnea, sleep apnea treatment, Sleep Apnea Treatments, sleep disorder, Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty