Sleep Apnea Treatment - Services & Specialists
To schedule an appointment with a sleep apnea specialist at the Temple Lung Center today, click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).
For more information about our physicians, visit the Temple Lung Center Medical Team page.
How is sleep apnea treated?
How long will the effects of sleep apnea last?
How can I reduce my chances of developing sleep apnea?
How is sleep apnea treated?
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This treatment uses a machine to send pressurized air into the nose and throat at night. The amount of pressure is determined through a sleep study. The use of this breathing machine is carefully supervised by the health care provider, who will make any necessary adjustments.
If sleep apnea is caused by pressure from excess fatty tissue in the throat, a health care provider may suggest a weight loss program. If exhaustion and lack of energy make exercise a challenge for patients, the weight loss program may be supplemented by CPAP. This will allow the patient to rest well enough so that changes can be made in the diet and physical activity can increase.
Surgery may be an option for people who can't use the breathing machine regularly and properly. A surgical treatment might include changing the position of the air passage in the nose or removing the tonsils.
Other possible treatments currently being studied include:
- Medicines that change the brain chemistry and help muscle tone increase during sleep
- Pacemakers that sense when blockages are occurring and stimulate throat muscles to open up the throat before a person wakes up.
- It is important to treat sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can have serious long-term effects on a person's health, including increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks or sudden death. Effective treatment of sleep apnea may result in normal blood pressure, relief of fatigue and weight loss.
How long will the effects of sleep apnea last?
Sleep apnea can be cured if it is caused by a reversible problem, such as being overweight. For most people, however, sleep apnea will always be a problem. The CPAP machine will need to be used regularly to get good quality sleep and to prevent the serious complications of sleep apnea.
How can I reduce my chances of developing sleep apnea?
The following will help reduce chances of developing sleep apnea:
- Maintain an appropriate weight
- Exercise (according to your health care provider's recommendations)
- Practice good sleeping habits
- Stop smoking
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
To schedule an appointment with a Temple Lung Center physician click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).
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