Sleep apnea - obstructive; Apnea - obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
The goal is to keep the airway open so that breathing does not stop during sleep.
The following may relieve symptoms of sleep apnea in some individuals:
If these measures do not help, your doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. For information on this treatment, see:CPAP
Surgery may be an option in some cases. This may involve:
Surgery to remove the tonsills and adenoids may cure the condition in children; it does not seem to help most adults.
When treated correctly, obstructive sleep apnea may be controlled. However, many patients are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy.
During the nonbreathing episodes, blood oxygen levels falls. Persistent low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) may cause many of the daytime symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, pulmonary hypertension may develop, leading to right-sided heart failure or cor pulmonale.
Other complications include:
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 sleepiness, hallucinations, personality changes, and persistent confusion can be a sign of a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency number, such as 911.
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