Obstructive sleep apnea is a dangerous condition. If you suffer from sleep apnea, be sure to contact Lehigh Valley Smiles of Easton, PA to see what we can do for you. In this blog, we will talk about the types of surgeries available to treat obstructive sleep apnea, plus some tips for at home.
There are several surgery options available here at Lehigh Valley Smiles, depending on the condition of the patient and any past surgeries or treatments. The first option is called an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. In this procedure, the doctor removes some of the soft tissue that is blocking the airway. Another option is maxillomandibular advancement which moves the upper and lower parts of the jaw forward to create more room in the airway.
Tracheostomy is a last-resort procedure to help when other procedures have failed to correct the problem. This procedure creates an opening in the throat where a tube is placed for breathing during the night. During the day, the tube is removed and the opening is covered.
In addition to surgery, there are some lifestyle changes that can help decrease the severity of sleep apnea. Keeping a healthy weight is important. In addition, there are some sleeping habits to get into, like sleeping on your side as opposed to your back. Sedatives like sleeping aids and alcohol should also be avoided.
Sleep apnea can increase the risk of hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. To schedule a consultation at Lehigh Valley Smiles here in Easton, PA, call our office at (610) 252-7414 or visit our website, www.lehighvalleysmiles.net.
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