Video FAQ – How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treatment Options for OSA
In this fourth FAQ video in our series, Dr. Popper discusses several available treatment options for patients suffering from OSA. This series is designed to address frequently asked questions regarding obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. If your question has not been answered, come back soon as we're continually adding more videos to this series. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when a new FAQ video is posted. If you need information quickly, feel free to contact us here on the site or on our Facebook Page. We'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
How is OSA Treated?
There are a variety of treatments available for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Weight loss is always encouraged for those patients who are overweight. In patients who's sleep apnea occurs predominately on their back, they can be trained or taught to sleep on their sides and this is often effective in treating their obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
In addition, various surgical procedures can be performed by either ear, nose and throat doctors, or dentists, to remove some of the obstructing tissues in the upper airway. Dentists also make what are known as oral appliances, which are devices that are placed within the mouth to either hold the tongue down or advance the lower jaw forward, bringing the tongue away from the back wall of the throat.
A newer device, known as Provent Therapy, provides positive airway pressure through the use of a small valve that is inserted through the nostrils and held in place by a bandage-type device.
The treatment of choice for most cases of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
Dr. Ronald A. Popper is a Board Certified sleep specialist. The Southern California Pulmonary and Sleep Disorders Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, California, is a four bed, state of the art, fully accredited sleep disorders center. Dr. Popper is available at (805) 557-9930 to answer any questions you have regarding diagnosis and treatment of all sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, restless limb syndrome, insomnia, narcolepsy, and others.
Watch the video above, and then Click Here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Popper if you feel you exhibit symptoms of sleep apnea.
