Sleep apnea is expected but not a condition to delay treatment. If you wake up with a sore throat or headache, it could be sleep apnea, and it should prompt you to seek medical help soon. The Valhalla sleep apnea specialists recommend prompt treatment for the condition as it could result in serious health problems like high blood pressure, extreme daytime fatigue, or heart complications. You can take many approaches to manage sleep apnea symptoms, but the secret is working with the support and guidance of a medical expert. Therefore, here is what you should do if you suspect you have sleep apnea.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Sleep apnea comes with many different symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose independently. Since misdiagnosis could delay treatment and increase the risks of serious problems, it is essential to contact your doctor as soon as you have your suspicions. Also, sleep apnea can cause severe signs like breathing interruptions and snoring, shortness of breath, drowsiness, breathing pauses, or choking. Seek immediate medical attention for such symptoms. Also, talk to your doctor when you experience health conditions like coronary artery disease, mood disorder, hypertension, stroke, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or atrial fibrillation.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor will perform a sleep study and evaluate the type of sleep apnea you are enduring to draft the best treatment plan. You might be required to change your life by developing a sleep diary to gauge if your condition is improving or worsening. Also, your doctor might advise you and direct you to lose weight since obesity and overweight increase your sleep apnea risks. Also, it is essential to exercise every day to help you lose weight and improve the function of your lungs and breathing muscles. If you smoke, you must develop a quit plan. Also, you can alleviate your symptoms by avoiding alcohol and certain medications, improving your sleeping postures, and avoiding eating before you get to bed.
Consider Devices for Sleep Apnea
Several devices are effective in managing specific sleep apnea symptoms. This includes a CPAP machine that aims at keeping your breathing generally throughout the night. Your doctor will guide you on using the machine, and you should talk to them when you are having challenges using it. You can also wear a mouthpiece to help align your joes and keep the airways open while you sleep.
Take Medicines and Supplements
It is crucial to discuss your current treatments during your sleep apnea diagnosis appointment. Medications like sedatives can worsen your situation and should be avoided when managing sleep apnea. Your doctor can recommend you take allergy medications before getting to bed. You can also consult your doctor about modafinil to treat your symptoms. Additionally, consider managing other health complications that could be contributing sleep apnea symptoms. You can also try Vitamin C supplements as directed by your doctor.
Strengthen your Breathing Muscles
You can strengthen your breathing muscles through singing, holding a pencil between your teeth, learning to purse lips, or blowing up balloons. Activities like jogging, swimming, and running help manage sleep apnea. Additionally, gargling can help tone the muscles in the back of your throat.
Do not wait anymore if you are not getting quality sleep due to sleep apnea symptoms. Reach out to Advanced Surgeons for help. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms and help you understand your treatment options.
Johnson