Your specialist in sleep apnea treatment in Penticton may recommend that you undergo a sleep study at a hospital. This will help determine if you have severe obstructive sleep apnea or just a mild case of apnea. While you are waiting for your sleep study appointment, your physician may recommend the following complementary treatments that can help reduce the severity and frequency of your apnea episodes.
Take Your Reflux Medication
When irritating acid from your stomach reaches your esophagus and throat, your pharynx and vocal cords may become inflamed. This can obstruct your airway and make you snore. It may even cause periodic episodes of breathing cessation. To help prevent acid reflux, make sure you take all of your acid-blocking medications or antacids as prescribed by your doctor. Doing so will help stop reflux so that the tissues in your throat and vocal cords heal.
Avoid Antihistamines
If you suffer from allergies, talk to your specialist in sleep apnea treatment in Penticton about alternative treatments. Antihistamines relax your tongue muscles so that the back part of your tongue is more likely to slide back into your throat, obstructing your airway. Antihistamines also dry out your mucous membranes and your throat. This makes snoring and sleep apnea symptoms worse. If you need to take antihistamines, be sure to drink plenty of water and take your last dose at least a few hours before retiring for the night.
