Sleep apnea

Alternative Names

Treatment

The goal is to keep the airway open to prevent apneas during sleep.

Weight management (or intentional weight loss) and avoiding alcohol and sedatives at bedtime may relieve sleep apnea in some individuals. If these measures are unsuccessful in stopping sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a form of mechanical breathing assistance that involves the use of a specially-designed mask worn over the nose or nose and mouth at night, may be prescribed.

Mechanical devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward may help relieve symptoms due to mild to moderate cases.

Surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP), to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids (tonsillectomy), or to create an opening in the trachea to bypass the obstructed airway during sleep (tracheostomy), may be helpful if anatomical causes are present. In some people, surgery to remove blockage of the nose or upper throat may relieve sleep apnea.

A tonsillectomy may be all that is necessary in children to cure obstructive sleep apnea.

Support Groups

Attending a support group with others who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or related disorders may help persons adjust to their disease and adapt to the lifestyle changes necessary to treat it.

Outlook (Prognosis)

When treated correctly, obstructive sleep apnea may be controlled. However, many persons are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP, and the syndrome continues.

Possible Complications

• Hypertension
• Right-sided heart failure
• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Excessive carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia)
• Sleep deprivation
• Stroke
• Heart disease

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have excessive daytime sleepiness, or if you or your family notice symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. If you have this condition, call if symptoms do not improve with treatment or if new symptoms develop.

Decreased consciousness, extreme somnolence, hallucinations, personality changes, and persistent confusion can indicate an emergency.