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Is Sleep Apnea Curable?

 Sleep apnea is a serious illness, but thankfully, there are treatment options available, such as oral appliance therapy, that can greatly reduce symptoms and let patients lead active healthy lives. Can Sleep Apnea be Permanently Cured? Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by anatomical factors, therefore the question of a “cure” that lasts forever is difficult to answer. A CPAP machine or an oral appliance may be used to treat sleep apnea that is persistent. A CPAP is used at night and works by applying pressure to the airway to clear it. Another successful treatment that is typically seen as more comfortable for patients is oral appliance therapy, which resembles a mouthguard or retainer and projects the jaw forward to expand the airway while the patient is sleeping. However, they can lower a patient’s score on the apnea-hypopnea index with regular use to below 5, this number is considered by doctors to mean a complete resolution of OSA. Surgeries for Sleep Apnea Surgery for sleep apnea

Most common Replaceable Accessories of CPAP Masks

The CPAP mask is an essential part of the CPAP machine which delivers streams of air directly into your nose or mouth. CPAP masks should be as comfortable as possible while also providing a complete seal around your nose and/or mouth (without leaving marks on your face or irritating your skin). There are different types of masks available in the market for people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea. There are mainly three types of CPAP masks that are prescribed by doctors when treating patients: Full Face Masks Nasal Masks Nasal Pillow Masks Replaceable parts of a CPAP therapy mask 1. Mask Headgear Headgear is a crucial part of the CPAP mask It keeps your mask in position Allows you to adjust your mask A securely fit headgear also helps in preventing any leaks 2. Mask cushion Point of facial contact Provides comfort Prevents air leaks by creating a seal in the mask 3. Mask Tubing Connects the CPAP machine to the CPAP mask Delivers steady and consistent air pressure Available in differen

Sleep apnea and Hypothyroidism

 What is Hypothyroidism? When the thyroid is overly active and produces too many of these hormones, you can experience a fast metabolism, a faster heart rate, and feelings of stress and anxiety. Hypothyroidism and Sleep Apnea Hypothyroidism has an impact on your respiration as well. Shallow breathing is common in hypothyroidism patients, especially at night. Sleep apnea is more likely to occur if you breathe slowly and shallowly. Your airways can become clogged if the muscles in your throat relax at night. When your airways are clogged, your brain detects a shortage of oxygen and sends messages to your body to wake you awake. Sleep apnea causes you to wake up frequently during the night. Sleeping Habits can Cause Hypothyroidism Your sleeping patterns may also have an impact on your thyroid gland. You’re more likely to acquire hyperthyroidism if you sleep for less than seven hours on a regular basis. On the other side, sleeping too much every night can increase your risk of hypothyroidi

Top 5 Factors that can worsen Sleep Apnea

Consider these Top 5 lifestyle variables that can aggravate sleep apnea, and begin treating them right away for better sleep and general health. 1. Weight Gain and Obesity Your body weight is a crucial component in sleep apnea symptoms; in fact, almost 70% of OSA patients are obese. Obesity raises the chance of obstructive sleep apnea, as well as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes 2. Medications Some medications can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse by relaxing your throat muscles, which can restrict your upper airway. This can include things like: Muscle relaxants Benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium Painkillers, particularly opioids Sleep aids 3. Sleeping Position Sleeping on your back might aggravate sleep apnea because your tongue can slide back into your throat and block your airway. 4. Alcohol and Sleep Apnea Alcohol relaxes muscles, including the muscles in your throat and tongue. To avoid this, don’t drink alcohol within a few hours of going to bed. 5. Smoking and Sle

How to identify and manage Mild apnea

Untreated sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing periodically during the night, often hundreds of times. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is classified as mild, moderate, and severe upon diagnosis. The AHI is the number of apneas or hypopneas reported per hour of sleep during the research. It’s usually measured in terms of the number of events per hour. The severity of OSA is classified as follows based on the AHI: None/Minimal: AHI < 5 per hour Mild: AHI ≥ 5, but < 15 per hour Moderate: AHI ≥ 15, but < 30 per hour Severe: AHI ≥ 30 per hour What is Mild Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder that is classified as mild, moderate, or severe upon diagnosis. A person with mild sleep apnea has 5-15 breath-holding or shallow breaths per hour. It is especially important to treat when it occurs with other conditions, such as high blood pressure or stroke. Mild Sleep Apnea Symptoms Some of the basic Mild apnea symptoms are: Snoring Daytime drowsiness/lethargy High

Sleep Apnea v/s Insomnia

 Insomnia is essentially the inability to fall and stay asleep through the night, despite having the right conditions for sleep. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a condition in which you continuously wake up from your sleep due to a shortage of oxygen to the brain. Symptoms of sleep apnea and Insomnia Aside from that, the most obvious signs of insomnia are difficulty falling asleep, waking up throughout the night, or waking up too early. Signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea are: Excessive daytime sleepiness Loud snoring Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep Abrupt awakening accompanied by gasping and choking Dry mouth and/or sore throat Causes Enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to the following symptoms in adults: Obesity Older age Alcohol use Smoking The following are some of the factors that may increase your chances of having insomnia Age Sex (women are more likely to develop insomnia t

Common Challenges faced while using CPAP Masks

What are the top 5 most common challenges faced while using CPAP masks? 1. CPAP Mask fitting is not right For effective treatment and results, finding the perfect mask that fits your face well is highly important when using the CPAP machine. Solution: a) Find a mask that’s right for your face b) Learn how to put on your mask properly c) Adjust for facial changes over time 2. The CPAP mask is leaking If you hear or feel your CPAP mask leaking then you must not ignore it as this is a common but concerning problem. Solution: a) Mask fitting b) Getting a new CPAP mask 3. Stuffy and Dry Nose because of CPAP Mask Some CPAP users experience symptoms of sinus and a stuffy and dry nose when exposed to air pressure. Solution: a) Use a heated tube humidifier b) Using a Nasal Saline spray 4. Feeling Claustrophobic while using CPAP Mask When you use your CPAP mask, there are chances that you might feel odd and a little claustrophobic. Solution: a) Use an alternative type of mask b) Use the