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Suggest Treatment For Loud Snoring And Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Question: Hello Dr. Rynne
I snore very loudly and have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea for many years. I had an operation 20 years ago which relieved the problem substantially. In the last month I gained more than 12 pounds due to a prescribed anti-depressant called Mirtazapine. This sudden gain has triggered the apnea for the last week to the point where I am now afraid of falling asleep because I know that I will wake up again with the panic sensation that comes along with not breathing. I have a CPAP machine, but have never been able to stand it even though I have tried dozens of different masks. I've also done research regarding the dental piece that supposedly alleviates the problem but have found out that rarely does it work, and is also not covered by insurance. Is there anything else I can do while I am able to see a specialist, to control the apnea and make stop being afraid of falling asleep? My email address is YYYY@YYYY
Thanks and I desperately await your answer.
Sincerely,
XXXX
I snore very loudly and have suffered from obstructive sleep apnea for many years. I had an operation 20 years ago which relieved the problem substantially. In the last month I gained more than 12 pounds due to a prescribed anti-depressant called Mirtazapine. This sudden gain has triggered the apnea for the last week to the point where I am now afraid of falling asleep because I know that I will wake up again with the panic sensation that comes along with not breathing. I have a CPAP machine, but have never been able to stand it even though I have tried dozens of different masks. I've also done research regarding the dental piece that supposedly alleviates the problem but have found out that rarely does it work, and is also not covered by insurance. Is there anything else I can do while I am able to see a specialist, to control the apnea and make stop being afraid of falling asleep? My email address is YYYY@YYYY
Thanks and I desperately await your answer.
Sincerely,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
consult ENT surgeon first.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
Obstructive sleep apnoea has 2 most common etiologies.
1. Obstruction to the upper air passages.
2. Obesity.
So if you are obese then you have to reduce weight. This should be the top most priority.
As the excess fat is deposited in soft tissues of neck and so obstruct the air passages.
Consult ENT surgeon to rule out fixed obstruction. Causes for this are
1. Tonsils
2. Adenoids
3. Large tongue
4. Large soft palate and hard palate.
5. Vocal cords abnormality
6. Polyps etc.
So if you are having such Obstructive lesions then surgery should be done.
But Weight loss will be the corner stone of your treatment.
So start vigorous exercise, strict dieting, anorectic drugs (if needed ) and neck physiotherapy.
And CPAP is good option if you try to synchronize with it. Try to start with low pressure, adapt your breathing with it and than increase the pressure to desired level.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
consult ENT surgeon first.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
Obstructive sleep apnoea has 2 most common etiologies.
1. Obstruction to the upper air passages.
2. Obesity.
So if you are obese then you have to reduce weight. This should be the top most priority.
As the excess fat is deposited in soft tissues of neck and so obstruct the air passages.
Consult ENT surgeon to rule out fixed obstruction. Causes for this are
1. Tonsils
2. Adenoids
3. Large tongue
4. Large soft palate and hard palate.
5. Vocal cords abnormality
6. Polyps etc.
So if you are having such Obstructive lesions then surgery should be done.
But Weight loss will be the corner stone of your treatment.
So start vigorous exercise, strict dieting, anorectic drugs (if needed ) and neck physiotherapy.
And CPAP is good option if you try to synchronize with it. Try to start with low pressure, adapt your breathing with it and than increase the pressure to desired level.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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