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Sleep apnea: airway obstruction while sleeping (P2)

Sleep apnea: airway obstruction while sleeping (P2)

Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 01/04/2023

When symptoms of sleep apnea occur, it is necessary to visit a pulmonologist specialized in the disease to receive the best possible treatment, because there are two types; obstructive sleep apnea in which, as discussed above, the airway is obstructed because the airway closes. The other type of apnea is central, in which there is no message from the respiratory center that tells the respiratory muscles to take air. Essentially these two types of apnea are very different in terms of treatment and the consequences they produce.

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea has several ways to address. The first, and most effective, way is handling with positive airway pressure, this is what is commonly known as CPAP. CPAP is a device that adheres to the patient's face through a mask and generates a pressure that fights airway obstruction. This is the most effective way to fight this disease.

Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea

There are other alternative treatments such as the mandibular advancement device, which is placed inside the mouth and causes the jaw to protrude, decreasing airway obstruction. The third approach is myofascial therapy and consists of exercising the muscles within the oral cavity, which generates a strength of the same and is able to decrease the obstruction. There are complementary ways of managing apnea with electronic devices, which stimulate airway musculature, as well as surgical interventions. It is worth mentioning that surgical interventions in some cases are effective, but at other times have very precise indications and support with oxygen. That is why it is important to be cared for when treating it.

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