Essential Dos And Don'ts If You Are Suffering From Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Dos:

Undergo sleep evaluation: Consult a pulmonologist for a sleep study to diagnose and determine OSA.

Adhere to Treatment Recommendations: Follow prescribed treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, oral appliances, or surgery,) depending on individual needs.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a lifestyle that includes exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking, and limited alcohol for overall well-being.

Practice good sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent schedule with a comfy environment and less screen time to promote restful sleep.

Monitor Symptoms: Monitor the symptoms and inform healthcare providers promptly about any changes or concerns.

Don'ts:

Ignore Symptoms: Don't ignore OSA symptoms; it can lead to untreated sleep apnea and increase the risk of complications. Seek medical help promptly.

Discontinue Treatment Abruptly: Don't stop CPAP therapy or other prescribed treatments suddenly; consult healthcare providers first.

Engage in Sedative Activities: Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime, as they can relax throat muscles and exacerbate airway obstruction during sleep.

Neglect Follow-Up Care: Keep up with regular follow-up care for effective treatment management.

Inputs By: Dr Shahid Patel, Consultant Pulmonologist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai