Sleep apnea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 
Symptoms of sleep apnea mainly happen while you sleep. Symptoms of sleep apnea include frequent pauses in breathing, loud snoring, making gasping or choking noises. Ear, Nose, Throat St Peters Balloon Sinuplasty's (offices in St. Peters, St. Louis, and Bridgeton, MO) provides comprehensive ear, nose & throat care for the patients they serve. Let's have a look at some of the treatment options for sleep apnea.
1. Lifestyle Changes: For a mild case of sleep apnea, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising. Even a small amount of weight loss may improve your symptoms. As soon as you start to do more, the risks to your health reduce, so increasing your activity levels will be very good for you. Research shows that exercise can improve sleep apnea symptoms.
2. CPAP Device: The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is considered the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. The CPAP device includes a mask that you wear over your nose every night. CPAP applies air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airways open. The majority of people who use the CPAP device find immediate symptom relief and are delighted with their increased energy and mental sharpness during the day.
3. TAP Appliance: The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) is a highly effective solution for both snoring and sleep apnea. The TAP appliance is engineered for keeping your airway passages open during sleep. The device snaps firmly and comfortably over the teeth, like a retainer. According to research, the TAP appliance eliminates snoring and improves breathing in over 95 percent of patients.
4. Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen therapy is the use of oxygen as a form treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Oxygen therapy has been used as an alternative treatment in individuals with sleep apnea. The oxygen levels of the blood drop overnight due to repeated pauses in the breathing, so your doctor may give you supplemental oxygen to get things back into the normal range. Various forms of oxygen and different devices are available to deliver oxygen to your lungs while you sleep.
5. EPAP Device: Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) nasal devices provide a new therapeutic option for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The EPAP device is placed over your nostrils before you go to sleep. The device is a valve that eutic option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).allows air to move in, but when you exhale, air goes through small holes in the valve. This increases pressure in the airway passages and keeps it open.
6. Surgical Treatment: Surgery is usually only an option after non-surgical treatments have failed. A variety of surgical options are available for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. The purpose of the operation is to enlarge the airway through your throat or nose that may be blocking your airway passages and causing sleep apnea. If surgery is considered as a possible treatment, talk to your doctor about the different types of surgical procedures, the risks and benefits of the procedures and the recovery time you will need after surgery.
You have the power to manage your health. If you think you may have sleep apnea, call one of Ear, Nose, Throat St Peters Balloon Sinuplasty's offices now to schedule a consultation- St. Peters, MO- (636) 936-5002; St. Louis, MO- (314) 821-5002; Bridgeton, MO- (314) 770-0708. Remember—small steps can add up to big improvements in your health!