How to Care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome?
Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome requires care through lifestyle improvements, the use of assistive devices, and pharmacological treatment, with regular follow-up visits being crucial. Selecting appropriate care measures can effectively alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and enhance patients' quality of life.
1. Lifestyle Improvements
Weight gain significantly aggravates sleep apnea symptoms, so weight loss is key. Controlling dietary intake and engaging in regular exercise such as daily brisk walking or yoga for more than 30 minutes can be helpful. Avoid alcohol consumption before sleep, quit smoking, and refrain from using sedatives, as these can lead to relaxation of upper respiratory muscles and exacerbate airway obstruction. Adjusting sleep posture can also alleviate symptoms for some patients. For example, sleeping on one's side can reduce airway obstruction caused by the tongue falling backward, and many use special side-sleeping pillows as an aid.
2. Use of Assistive Devices
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are currently the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, especially for moderate to severe cases. Maintaining airway patency through stable airflow can significantly improve patients' sleep quality. If CPAP is not tolerated, dental appliances such as oral braces can be considered, which increase airway space when the mandible is moved forward. For patients with nasal congestion, using nasal dilators or nasal spray for rhinitis treatment can also be beneficial.
3. Pharmacological Treatment and Surgical Intervention
Medications are primarily used to improve sleep architecture or control accompanying symptoms such as nasal inflammation. Surgical intervention can be considered in cases of severe airway malformations or when other measures are ineffective. A common surgery is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which involves removing part of the soft palate and uvula to widen the respiratory tract. Palatal augmentation surgery or mandibular advancement surgery may also be suitable for some specific patients.
4. Regular Follow-Up Visits and Monitoring
Sleep apnea not only affects sleep quality but also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. Patients need to regularly communicate with their doctors to adjust treatment plans and monitor body parameters such as blood oxygen saturation. Caring for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome requires comprehensive interventions, including lifestyle adjustments, scientific use of assistive devices, and necessary pharmacological or surgical measures. Adhering to formal treatment and management can not only improve patients' symptoms but also effectively reduce the incidence of related complications. If symptoms persist or worsen, patients should seek medical attention promptly for further evaluation and management.
