Knowing Your Options with Sleep Apnea
By Stephen Chandler, MD |21 NOV 2020|
We spend almost half of our lives sleeping, so when something like sleep apnea threatens our precious rest we have to respond quickly. But sleep apnea is peculiar. It’s a potentially serious sleeping disorder that can fly under the radar for years with minor symptoms. It’s hard to diagnose for ourselves but easy to notice in others by their tremendous snoring. Thankfully, there’s more than one way to treat this elusive disorder and a good night’s sleep is within sight.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing will continuously start and stop throughout the night. There’s a wide array of symptoms ranging from snoring to depression and insomnia. In severe cases, sleep apnea can be life threatening.
What causes it?
Numerous studies have shown an association between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Evidence suggests that reduction of nasal patency (how open the nose is) and flow have a significant effect on breathing during sleep.
How do I treat it?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for moderate or severe OSAS. Many CPAP machines deliver airway pressure exclusively through a fitted nasal appliance. Despite the proven benefits, the rate of adherence to this form of therapy is less than 70%. Over 50% of CPAP users complain of significant nasal symptoms, such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal dryness, and sneezing, which may become even more significant with nasal structural abnormalities. Patients with sleep apnea, who are CPAP intolerant, should be evaluated in detail to identify potentially obstructive anatomy that could be improved by surgical and/or medical treatment.
What are my other options?
As a non-surgical intervention, nasal irrigation (Complete Rinse) works primarily through the direct cleaning of the nasal mucosa. Superficial debris on the mucus lining of the nasal cavity may be softened and dislodged. Moreover, inflammatory mediators and antigens responsible for allergic reactions can be removed reducing nasal lining inflammation and secretion production.
The use of nasal irrigation decreases nasal lining allergen and irritant contact time. Also, a nasal lining surface that is free of mucus and debris allows nasal allergy treatment to be much more effective. All of these measures are intended to reduce nasal lining inflammation, decrease nasal resistance and improve sleep by reducing CPAP intolerance.
So what are you waiting for?
If you or somebody you love suffers from sleep apnea then it’s important to know all of your options. Nasal Irrigation is a legitimate secondary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and can reduce CPAP intolerance. Complete Rinse can give you back the sleep you’ve been missing so that you can enjoy your days to the fullest.
Breathe better, sleep better, live better. Dr. Stephen Chandler is a practicing Otolaryngologist in Montgomery, Alabama and owner of Sandler Scientific, LLC makers of Complete Rinse ®. To learn more visit www.completerinse.com To schedule a visit with Dr. Chandler call 334-834-7221 Learn more at https://www.jacksonclinicent.org/