Patient/caregiver were instructed regarding management measures for obstructive sleep apnea as follows:
- Individuals with history of chronic alcoholism and/or alcohol abuse can present with relaxed airway muscles with poor tension in them. Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to maintain them patent and open for the air to flow unobstructed. Lack of tension in the airways contribute to airway collapse, result in obstruction to the airflow pattern, thus leading to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with history of chronic alcoholism and/or alcohol abuse must observe compliance with recommendations for abstinence from alcohol intake or alcohol consumption in moderation to help prevent episodes of obstructive sleep apnea.
- Excessive intake of psychotropic medications, such as, sedative-hypnotics, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, as a side-effect to the medication intake, can result in poorly tensed and relaxed airway muscles. Appropriate tension in the airway muscles of the throat is needed to maintain them patent and open for the air to flow unobstructed. Lack of tension in the airways contribute to airway collapse, result in obstruction to the airflow pattern, thus leading to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with history of chronic psychotropic medication intake can seek assistance with behavioral therapy and alternative measures for anxiety control to help reduce dependence on medication. Compliance with prescribed physical exercise, as tolerated, can help release of chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins enhance feelings of pleasure & well-being and also contribute to reducing pain & discomfort, which in long run leads to behavior changes and reduced need for intake of psychotropic medications.
- Prolonged use of oral appliances for sleep apnea prevention can result in altered shape of the appliance. This can result in reduced efficiency of the appliance in preventing episodes of sleep apnea. Individuals using oral appliances for sleep apnea management must periodically check with their dentist to ensure proper fit of the device or if it needs any adjustment or the appliance totally replaced.
