As we age, our bodies undergo a number of changes. One such change that many seniors experience is an increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea in seniors include snoring, gasping for breath during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
It’s important for seniors to be aware of the risks of OSA. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common treatments for seniors with OSA and the importance of receiving tailored care.
Why Do Seniors Have a Greater Risk of Developing OSA?
Sleep apnea affects a wide range of individuals, regardless of age, but the risk for it increases as we get older. Seniors are more likely to suffer from OSA for a number of reasons, including increased muscle tone in the upper airway, increased body mass index (BMI), and changes in the structure of the jaw and airway.
As we age, the muscles in our airway are more likely to relax, which increases the risk of occasional apneas, or pauses in breathing. Additionally, obesity is a known risk factor for developing sleep apnea, and it is more common in seniors. Finally, age-related changes in the structure of the jaw and airway can also lead to an increased risk of OSA.
Tailored Treatments for Seniors with OSA
Treatment for sleep apnea often varies depending on the cause of the condition. Seniors often require more tailored treatments to address the underlying issues that contribute to OSA. The most common lines of treatment for seniors with OSA include lifestyle changes, non-invasive treatments, and surgical options.
Lifestyle Changes
The first line of treatment for OSA is often lifestyle changes. For seniors, this may include increasing physical activity, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. Exercise and weight loss can help with OSA by helping to strengthen the muscles in the airway, while quitting smoking can help to reduce inflammation in the airway.
Non-invasive Treatments
Many seniors with mild to moderate OSA can be successfully treated with non-invasive treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP works by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask worn over the nose and mouth.
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) is another non-invasive treatment option that can be used to treat moderate to severe OSA. BiPAP offers two different pressures, one to inhale and one to exhale, which can be more comfortable for some patients.
Other non-invasive treatments that can be helpful for seniors with OSA include oral appliances, which are custom-made devices that help to keep the airway open during sleep, and positional therapy, which involves wearing special devices or pillows to encourage sleeping in a certain position that helps to reduce the severity of OSA.
Surgical Options
Surgical options can be effective for some seniors with OSA. Surgery may be recommended to remove obstructions in the airway, such as the tonsils or adenoids. Additionally, surgical options can include procedures to enlarge the airway or to alter the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Surgical treatments for OSA are typically used as a last resort when non-invasive treatments have failed.
The Importance of Tailored Care
It’s important for seniors with OSA to receive tailored treatment based on their individual needs and medical history. Proper evaluation and management of OSA in seniors requires a multi-disciplinary approach that takes into account the unique needs and potential complications of seniors. A healthcare provider who specializes in sleep medicine, such as a pulmonologist or a sleep technician, can help to create a personalized treatment plan for seniors with OSA.
Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious condition that affects a large number of seniors. The condition can lead to a number of potential health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, seniors with OSA can receive tailored treatments that can effectively manage the condition and improve their overall quality of life.
