| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Obstructive sleep apnea |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome; Sleep apnea syndrome; Sleep apnea |
| Treatment: |
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The goal is to keep the airway open to prevent apneas during sleep. Mechanical devices inserted into the mouth at night to keep the jaw forward are being studied as a form of treatment. Surgery to remove excess tissue at the back of the throat (called a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP), to remove enlarged tonsils or adenoids (see tonsillectomy), or to create an opening in the trachea to bypass the obstructed airway during sleep (tracheostomy) may be helpful if anatomical causes are present. In some people, surgery to remove blockage of the nose or upper throat may relieve sleep apnea. |
| Support Groups: |
| Attending a support group with others who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or related disorders may help persons adjust to their disease and adapt to the lifestyle changes necessary to treat it. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| When treated correctly, obstructive sleep apnea usually disappears. Many persons, however, are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP, and the syndrome continues. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| 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 somnolence, hallucinations, personality changes, and persistent confusion can indicate an emergency. |
Obstructive sleep apnea |
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