Sleep Apnea - Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea are two very important steps in bringing sleep apnea under control.

Some think that loud snoring is indicative of sleep apnea but this isn't always true. Snoring does accompany some cases, but not all. If you think you are suffering from sleep apnea and you have a sleeping partner, that partner can help you make an initial diagnosis.

With paper and pen, your partner should record the number of times there is a disruption in your breathing. It's easy to tell because you'll either stop breathing, or you'll make gasping, choking or snorting sounds as you attempt to get your breath back. Making notes about your snoring is also helpful. You can also get a tape recorder and put it on "Record" while you sleep.

The majority of sleep apnea occurs in men aged 40 or older who are also overweight. If you fall into this category and you know you've experienced sleep apnea symptoms, your doctor likely will suspect sleep apnea. If in doubt, your doctor can look for obstructions in the nose and mouth and examine your throat and nose using either an endoscopy or an X-ray. A CT scan of the neck and head is another diagnosis tool.

Should more information be needed, an absolute diagnosis can easily be confirmed by spending a night in a sleep center so that your sleeping pattern can be monitored.

The most common treatment option for individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea is use of a CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. The machine is attached to a mask with a plastic tube measuring several feet in length. The mask fits over the nose and/or mouth and while asleep, a continuous supply of pressurized air is forced through the tube which helps keep the airway open.

There is also a surgical procedure that can remove troublesome tissue from the nose, throat or mouth. Some patients may find that their jaws need to be reconstructed.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can self-treat. The most effective type of self-treatment is weight loss. Simply losing 10% of your body can make a dramatic difference. You will also notice a difference if you stop smoking and consuming alcohol. If you use sedatives, that too should be discontinued. In addition, you should get yourself on a regular sleep schedule, one in which you can sleep during nighttime hours. If you prefer sleeping on your back, it's time to switch to sleeping on your side.

There's a mouth piece you can use to help with sleep apnea. It works while sleeping by opening the airways and realigning your jaw or tongue.

There are benefits and disadvantages associated with each of these treatments for sleep apnea and you should thoroughly discuss these with your doctor before proceeding. Just remember that you've got to do something because your sleep apnea will not go away on its own. 

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