Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that causes patients to experience
pauses in breathing during sleep because of obstructed airways. Board-certified
sleep specialist, Dr. John Krehlik of southeastern Alaska, offers insight on
diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosis – Patients
who report common symptoms of sleep apnea such as fatigue, memory loss, and
morning headaches may be asked by their doctors to undergo a sleep study. This
type of testing electronically records a patient’s activity during sleep. For
example, microphones are used to record snoring and gasping, and sensors near
the nose measure airflow.
Treatment – Depending on the patient’s unique
needs, treatment options vary. Some patients are prescribed CPAP (continuous
positive airway pressure) masks that release air to prevent soft oral tissues
from collapsing into airways. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct
conditions related to sleep apnea such as an overbite, enlarged tonsils, or a
deviated septum in the nose.
pauses in breathing during sleep because of obstructed airways. Board-certified
sleep specialist, Dr. John Krehlik of southeastern Alaska, offers insight on
diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosis – Patients
who report common symptoms of sleep apnea such as fatigue, memory loss, and
morning headaches may be asked by their doctors to undergo a sleep study. This
type of testing electronically records a patient’s activity during sleep. For
example, microphones are used to record snoring and gasping, and sensors near
the nose measure airflow.
Treatment – Depending on the patient’s unique
needs, treatment options vary. Some patients are prescribed CPAP (continuous
positive airway pressure) masks that release air to prevent soft oral tissues
from collapsing into airways. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct
conditions related to sleep apnea such as an overbite, enlarged tonsils, or a
deviated septum in the nose.