Treatments for Sleep apnea
Treatments for Sleep apnea
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Sleep apnea
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Sleep apnea: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Sleep apnea may include:
Hidden causes of Sleep apnea may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Sleep apnea: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
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Sleep apnea: Research Doctors & Specialists
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Hospital statistics for Sleep apnea:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Sleep apnea:
- 0.092% (11,714) of hospital consultant episodes were for sleep apnoea in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 98% of hospital consultant episodes for sleep apnoea required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 74% of hospital consultant episodes for sleep apnoea were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 26% of hospital consultant episodes for sleep apnoea were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Sleep apnea
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
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More general information, not necessarily in relation to Sleep apnea,
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Medical news summaries about treatments for Sleep apnea:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Sleep apnea:
Discussion of treatments for Sleep apnea:
NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)
For mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea, treatment
often consists of using methods to avoid sleeping on one’s back. For
people with significant nasal congestion, a decongestant therapy may be
prescribed. Patients with obstructive and central apnea should avoid
central nervous system depressants such as alcoholic beverages, sedatives
and narcotics. Weight loss and diet control are encouraged for overweight
patients. Many serious cases of obstructive sleep apnea can be relieved by
a treatment called nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nasal CPAP).
Nasal CPAP uses a mask-like device and pump that work together to keep the
airway open with air pressure during each inspiration. Surgery may benefit
some patients by eliminating or reducing the narrowing of the airway due
to anatomical defects.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Sleep Apnea Information Page: NINDS)
Sleep Apnea: NWHIC (Excerpt)
The specific therapy for sleep apnea is tailored to the individual
patient based on medical history, physical examination, and the results of
polysomnography, a test that records a variety of body functions during
sleep. Medications are generally not effective in the treatment of sleep
apnea. Oxygen administration may safely benefit certain patients but does
not eliminate sleep apnea or prevent daytime sleepiness. Thus, the role of
oxygen in the treatment of sleep apnea is controversial, and it is
difficult to predict which patients will respond well. It is important
that the effectiveness of the selected treatment be verified; this is
usually accomplished by polysomnography,. Treatment may include behavioral
therapy, physical or mechanical therapy, or surgery. (Source: excerpt from Sleep Apnea: NWHIC)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Sleep apnea
Treatments of Sleep apnea: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the treatments of Sleep apnea.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
-
Administer supplemental O2
-
Many patients feel relief with cold air blowing in face
-
CHF: Mainstay of therapy is to decrease preload (by venodilation) and afterload (by arteriodilation and volume removal) to improve forward blood flow and decrease symptoms; nitrates (sublingual and IV), loop diuretics, IV morphine, ACE inhibitors, and spironolactone; treat refractory respiratory distress with CPAP, BiPAP, or intubation
-
Valvular disease: Blood pressure reduction with an ACE inhibitor or β-blocker is first-line therapy; surgical
intervention (balloon valvuloplasty, valve repair, or valve
replacement) is needed for severe disease
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Stridor & Wheezing:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Attention to airway, breathing, and circulation
-
Administer supplemental O2
-
Asthma: Avoid triggers; bronchodilation with inhaled β
2
agonists (e.g., albuterol) and anticholinergics (e.g., ipratropium); inhaled, oral and/or IV steroids
-
Epiglottitis: Emergent airway intervention (endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy); cephalosporin antibiotics
-
Respiratory infection: Appropriate antibiotics if bacterial cause is suspected; βagonists
-
Anaphylaxis: Patients in extremis require immediate subcutaneous epinephrine injection; antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine); inhaled β
2 agonists
(e.g., albuterol); steroids
-
Croup: Supportive care; nebulized steroids; epinephrine
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Apnea:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Central apnea therapy depends on cause; an infant may need no more than monitoring or supplemental O2.
-
Severe central apnea, especially with respiratory muscle failure, may need to be treated with artificial respiration (via nasal/face mask or tracheotomy tube)
-
CCHS may be treated long term with diaphragmatic pacing
-
Other causes of central apnea require targeted therapy (i.e., antibiotics for sepsis, O2 for severe hypoxia)
-
Severe obstruction is bypassed with tracheostomy, or overcome with positive pressure ventilation
-
Weight loss is an important adjunct in treating severe OSAS
-
Respiratory stimulants (e.g., caffeine) may help some babies with apnea of prematurity
-
Vigorously treat causative factors (e.g., GERD)
-
Apnea monitors are of little proven value in the management or treatment of apnea, yet frequently used
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Wheezing:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Asthma is treated with layered therapy for acute symptom control (“rescue” medicine) and prevention of disease (“controller” medicine)
–Rescue medicines are inhaled β-agonists (immediate) or steroids (rapid)
–Controller medicines include ICS, leukotriene modifiers, anti-inflammatory agents, and long-acting bronchodilators
-
Bronchomalacia is treated with atrovent and/or ICS
-
Treat/eliminate underlying triggers
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Apnea:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If you detect apnea, first establish and maintain a patent airway. Position the patient in a supine position and open his airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift technique. (Caution: If the patient has an obvious or suspected head or neck injury, use the jaw-thrust technique to prevent hyperextending the neck.) Next, quickly look, listen, and feel for spontaneous respiration; if it’s absent, begin artificial ventilation until it occurs or until mechanical ventilation can be initiated.
Because apnea may result from cardiac arrest (or may cause it), assess the patient’s carotid pulse immediately after you’ve established a patent airway. Or, if the patient is an infant or small child, assess the brachial pulse instead. If you can’t palpate a pulse, begin cardiac compression.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Respirations, stertorous:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If you detect stertorous respirations, check the patient’s mouth and throat for edema, redness, masses, or foreign objects. If edema is marked, quickly take the patient’s vital signs, including oxygen saturation. Observe him for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, accessory muscle use, intercostal muscle retractions, and cyanosis. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees to help ease breathing and reduce edema. Then administer supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, and prepare to intubate the patient, perform a tracheostomy, or provide mechanical ventilation. Insert an I.V. line for fluid and drug access, and begin cardiac monitoring.
If you detect stertorous respirations while the patient is sleeping, observe his breathing pattern for 3 to 4 minutes. Do noisy respirations cease when he turns on his side and recur when he assumes a supine position? Watch carefully for periods of apnea and note their length. When possible, question the patient’s partner about his snoring habits. Is she frequently awakened by the patient’s snoring? Does the snoring improve if the patient sleeps with the window open? Has she also observed the patient talk in his sleep or sleepwalk? Ask about signs of sleep deprivation, such as personality changes, headaches, daytime somnolence, or decreased mental acuity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Examine the degree of the patient’s respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension and decreased oxygen saturation or an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.
Help the patient relax, administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage him to take slow, deep breaths. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Apnea:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you detect apnea, first establish and maintain a patent airway. Place the patient in a supine position, and open his airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift technique. (Caution: If the patient has or may have a head or neck injury, use the jaw-thrust technique to prevent hyperextending the neck.) Next, quickly look, listen, and feel for spontaneous respiration; if it’s absent, begin artificial ventilation until it occurs or until mechanical ventilation can be initiated.
Because apnea may result from (or may cause) cardiac arrest, assess the patient’s carotid pulse immediately after you’ve established a patent airway. Or, if the patient is an infant or small child, assess the brachial pulse instead. If you can’t palpate a pulse, begin cardiac compression.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Respirations, stertorous:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you detect stertorous respirations, check the patient’s mouth and throat for edema, redness, masses, or foreign objects. If edema is marked, quickly take vital signs including oxygen saturation. Observe the patient for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, intercostal muscle retractions, and cyanosis. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees to help ease breathing and reduce the edema. Then administer supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, and prepare to intubate the patient, perform a tracheostomy, or provide mechanical ventilation. Insert an I.V. line for fluid and drug access, and begin cardiac monitoring.
If you detect stertorous respirations while the patient is sleeping, observe his breathing pattern for 3 to 4 minutes. Do noisy respirations cease when he turns on his side and recur when he assumes a supine position? Watch carefully for periods of apnea and note their length. When possible, question the patient’s partner about his snoring habits. Is she frequently awakened by the patient’s snoring? Does the snoring improve if the patient sleeps with the window open? Has she also observed the patient talk in his sleep or sleepwalk? Ask about signs of sleep deprivation, such as personality changes, headaches, daytime somnolence, or decreased mental acuity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Assess whether the patient is in respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension, decreased oxygen saturation, and an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.
Help the patient relax. Administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage slow, deep breathing. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Apnea:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Perform continuous assessment of the patient’s respiratory and cardiac systems until he’s stable. Obtain his vital signs, and perform a full neurologic examination.
Patient teaching
If the cause of the apnea was preventable, review the standards with the patient, if applicable, and his family. Educate the patient about safety measures related to aspiration of medications. Encourage cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for all adolescents and adults.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Respirations, stertorous:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Continue to monitor the patient’s respiratory status carefully. Administer a corticosteroid or an antibiotic and cool, humidified oxygen to reduce palatal and uvular inflammation and edema.
Laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, to rule out airway obstruction, or formal sleep studies may be necessary.
Patient teaching
If excessive weight is related to the condition, discuss the importance and methods of weight loss. Explain the assembly and use of a continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure device for a patient with sleep apnea. Teach the patient to elevate his head while sleeping. Provide information and recommend a smoking cessation program if the patient smokes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Wheezing:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, and sputum culture.
Ease the patient’s breathing by placing him in semi-Fowler’s position and repositioning him frequently. Perform pulmonary physiotherapy as necessary.
Administer an antibiotic to treat infection, a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm and maintain a patent airway, a steroid to reduce inflammation, and a mucolytic or expectorant to increase the flow of secretions. Provide humidification to thin secretions.
Patient teaching
If appropriate, encourage increased activity to promote drainage and prevent pooling of secretions. Encourage regular deep breathing and coughing. Explain the importance of drinking fluids to liquefy secretions and prevent dehydration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Respirations, stertorous:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If you detect stertorous respirations, check the patient’s mouth and throat for edema, redness, masses, or foreign objects. If edema is marked, quickly take vital signs, including oxygen saturation. Observe the patient for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, intercostal muscle retractions, and cyanosis. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees to help ease breathing and reduce the edema. Then administer supplemental oxygen by nasal cannula or face mask, and prepare to intubate the patient, perform a tracheostomy, or provide mechanical ventilation. Insert an I.V. line for fluid and drug access, and begin cardiac monitoring.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Wheezing:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Examine the degree of the patient’s respiratory distress. Is he responsive? Is he restless, confused, anxious, or afraid? Are his respirations abnormally fast, slow, shallow, or deep? Are they irregular? Can you hear wheezing through his mouth? Does he exhibit increased use of accessory muscles; increased chest wall motion; intercostal, suprasternal, or supraclavicular retractions; stridor; or nasal flaring? Take his other vital signs, noting hypotension or hypertension, decreased oxygen saturation, and an irregular, weak, rapid, or slow pulse.
Help him relax, administer humidified oxygen by face mask, and encourage slow, deep breathing. Have endotracheal intubation and emergency resuscitation equipment readily available. Call the respiratory therapy department to supply intermittent positive-pressure breathing and nebulization treatments with bronchodilators. Insert an I.V. line for administration of drugs, such as diuretics, steroids, bronchodilators, and sedatives. Perform the abdominal thrust maneuver, as indicated, for airway obstruction.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Apnea:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Closely monitor the patient's cardiac and respiratory status to prevent further episodes of apnea.
▪ Provide oxygen and ventilation as necessary, and monitor arterial blood gases and pulse oximetry for effectiveness.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the underlying cause and treatment plan.
▪ Teach safety measures to reduce the risk of aspiration.
▪ Encourage the patient's family to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
▪ Teach ways to decrease or avoid episodes of apnea, based on its cause.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray, echocardiography, exercise electrocardiography, and cardiac blood pool imaging.
▪ If the hospitalized patient experiences paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, assist him to a sitting position or help him walk around the room.
▪ If necessary, provide supplemental oxygen.
▪ Keep the patient calm because anxiety can exacerbate dyspnea.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
▪ Discuss dietary and fluid restrictions the patient requires.
▪ Talk about positions that can ease breathing.
▪ Teach the patient about prescribed medications, their dosage, administration, and adverse effects.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Respirations, stertorous:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient's respiratory status carefully.
▪ Administer a corticosteroid or an antibiotic, as ordered.
▪ Administer cool, humidified oxygen to reduce palatal and uvular inflammation and edema.
▪ Prepare the patient for laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (to rule out airway obstruction) or formal sleep studies, as necessary.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Discuss with the patient the importance of weight loss and smoking cessation.
▪ Demonstrate the use of a positive airway pressure device, if indicated.
▪ Teach the patient how to elevate his head while sleeping.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Wheezing [Sibilant rhonchi]:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, and sputum culture.
▪ Ease the patient's breathing by placing him in a semi-Fowler's position.
▪ Perform pulmonary physiotherapy as necessary.
▪ Administer an antibiotic, bronchodilator, steroid, and mucolytic or expectorant, as ordered.
▪ Provide humidification to thin secretions.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain to the patient the underlying cause of wheezing and its treatment.
▪ Teach the patient how to promote drainage and prevent pooling of secretions.
▪ Explain deep-breathing and coughing techniques.
▪ Explain the importance of increasing fluid intake, if appropriate.
▪ Teach the patient how to take prescribed drugs correctly.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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