Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects millions of patients. This condition occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep. People with OSA often experience frequent awakenings, snoring, and an inability to achieve restful sleep. If left untreated, OSA can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions.
The good news is that OSA is a treatable condition. Dr. Kelley Mingus is a highly experienced ear, nose throat specialist in Bend who provides patients with a variety of non-surgical sleep apnea treatment options. These treatments can help patients reduce their symptoms and achieve a restful night’s sleep without the need for surgery.
What is an OSA?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, causing a blockage in the airway. The blockage prevents the proper flow of oxygen to the lungs and body. Patients with OSA often experience loud and frequent snoring, waking frequently during the night, and an inability to achieve a restful sleep. These symptoms can lead to daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for OSA with Dr. Kelley Mingus
There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options that Dr. Kelley Mingus provides his patients who suffer from OSA. These treatments can help patients significantly reduce their symptoms and achieve a restful night’s sleep without the need for surgery.
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy
PAP therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for OSA. It involves wearing a specially designed mask over the nose and mouth during sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers pressurized air to keep the airway open, preventing the collapse of the soft tissues in the throat. PAP therapy is highly effective at reducing the symptoms of OSA and improving the quality of sleep.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliance therapy is another popular non-surgical treatment option for OSA. Patients wear a custom-fitted device over the teeth to help keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are designed to position the jaw and tongue in an optimal position to reduce airway obstruction. Oral appliance therapy is an effective and comfortable treatment option for many patients.
Positional Therapy
Positional therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for OSA. Patients who experience more severe symptoms of OSA while sleeping on their back may benefit from positional therapy. This treatment involves wearing a special device during sleep that prevents the patient from sleeping on their back by providing vibrations or mild electrical shocks.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment Options for OSA
Non-surgical treatment options for OSA offer several benefits to patients. These treatments are highly effective at reducing the symptoms of OSA and improving the quality of sleep without the need for surgery. Additionally, non-surgical treatments are safe and have minimal to no side effects. Patients can enjoy a restful night’s sleep without the inconvenience and discomfort of surgical procedures.
Conclusion
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Kelley Mingus offers a variety of non-surgical treatment options to help reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of sleep. These treatments can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep without the need for surgery. Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus in Bend to learn more about the non-surgical treatments available for OSA.