Is There a Cure for Sleep Apnea?
Many people are relieved to have a diagnosis of sleep apnea after experiencing the symptoms for so long. Having a name for the condition that has plagued you for many years and steps to take to help it get better can be very exciting. But after some time, you may wonder if there is a more permanent way to get rid of the symptoms of sleep apnea once and for all. This article will review the possible cures for sleep apnea and who may be able to use them.
Why Search for a Cure to Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be difficult to deal with on an ongoing basis. After being diagnosed with this sleep disorder, you may wonder if there is a cure for your condition. While some of the doctors recommended treatments, like the use of a CPAP machine, can provide you with relief, they will not cure the cause for sleep apnea. Curing sleep apnea is a complex process that often requires the help and supervision of a doctor. For some people, a cure that permanently stops the symptoms of sleep apnea is possible, while others may find that it is a chronic condition that continues to affect them.
The Factors Involved in the Possibility of a Sleep Apnea Cure
Whether or not your sleep apnea can be cured depends on the underlying reason for the condition. To understand this, it’s important to understand the causes of the condition. While sleep apnea is always characterized by a collapse of the airway while the patient sleeps, the reason the airway collapses can vary from patient to patient. To cure sleep apnea, this issue must be resolved permanently.
Some of the top causes of sleep apnea can include:
- Genetic issues that make the airway shorter and smaller
- Excess weight and poor health
- Certain pre-existing conditions, like high blood pressure
- Inflamed tonsils, adenoids or other glands along the upper airway
For example, some people suffer from sleep apnea because they naturally have a smaller airway, which is mostly due to genetic factors. This can’t be cured without a surgical intervention. A sleep apnea surgery may involve reducing the tissue mass around the airway to leave more room for the air to pass through. This procedure is typically performed by an ear, nose and throat surgeon and has a high likelihood of curing sleep apnea symptoms once and for all.
However, if your sleep apnea is caused by lifestyle–related factors like diet, smoking or drinking, you may be able to cure yourself by cutting back on these items. While quitting an addiction, like overeating or drinking alcohol, can be difficult, it can be accomplished with help and support. Most people who suffer from sleep apnea are overweight. This contributes to the likelihood of the airway being smaller than normal and unable to stay open. For these patients, it can be difficult to lose a significant amount of weight through simple diet and exercise modifications. Getting help from a dietician or nutritionist can help these patients see better results from weight loss efforts. This cure may take a long time to achieve but is a long-term solution that can solve your sleep apnea.
Getting Relief from Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The good news for sufferers of sleep apnea is that there are many tools to help make the symptoms better while searching for the cure that works for you. Using a CPAP machine is one of the best ways to alleviate the main symptoms associated with sleep apnea, including:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up several times during the night
- Inability to get a restful sleep
- Stress, crankiness, and fatigue caused by poor sleep
While a CPAP machine is not a permanent cure, use of one on a regular basis can make you feel much better. If you are hoping to lose weight or have surgery to correct the underlying issues that cause sleep apnea, using a CPAP machine until you can do so can improve your day to day quality of life.
If you begin using a CPAP machine to alleviate the symptoms of your sleep apnea, you’ll also need to invest in a CPAP machine cleaner. Regular cleaning will help to keep your CPAP working properly no matter how long you have it. The VirtuCLEAN CPAP cleaner and sanitizer is a fast cleaning option that uses ozone to neutralize bacteria and stop mold growth.
To find out more about the VirtuCLEAN sanitizer and how it works, click here.