Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA):
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, followed by gasping or choking
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression or mood swings
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA):
Lifestyle Changes:
- Weight loss
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives, especially before bedtime
- Changing sleep position (e.g., sleeping on the side instead of the back)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP):
- CPAP machine delivers air pressure through a mask while sleeping to keep airways open.
Oral Appliances:
- Devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
Surgery:
- There are a number of operations that have been devised for this condition. The most effective operation is Bariatric or Weight Loss surgery as it treats the cause of the problem.
Positional Therapy:
- Devices or methods to encourage sleeping in positions that prevent airway obstruction.
Nasal Decongestants:
- Sometimes used to alleviate nasal congestion and improve airflow.
Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust interventions as needed. Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
