9 Questions To Ask About Sleep Apnea

You have had sleeping problems for a while, but now you have a proper diagnosis, you are suffering from sleep apnea. There must be a lot of question running through your mind, especially if you have no idea what sleep apnea is. We shall explore the questions to ask about sleep apnea after a diagnosis.

Of course, you will not be able to ask all the questions on the first day, however, after you get your diagnosis and have started your new journey of treating or managing sleep apnea, there are questions you need to ask.

It is always a good idea to note down the questions you have as they come to you so that when you visit with your doctor, you cannot forget or leave out any.

The questions to ask your doctor about sleep apnea

 

 

Considering that sleep apnea requires lifestyle changes, medication, and a sleep machine, there are certainly a lot of questions to ask. Basically, you will want to understand the disease, the medication that you may be put on, if it is curable or not, the side effects of the disease etc.

Here they are some questions you should ask:

What Type Of Sleep Apnea Are You Suffering From?

Depending on the totality of your symptoms, you could be suffering from one of the two types of sleep apnea. You should find out from the doctor if it is central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) so that you can best understand the difference between the two and how your diagnosis is treated and what changes you need to make if any.

What Are The Consequences Of Not Treating Sleep Apnea?

It is good to know the side effects that may arise from sleep apnea if it is not treated or if the treatment is delayed. This sleeping condition has very serious consequences if not dealt with quickly; sufferers are at risk of cardiac death from sleep apnea, high blood pressure or stroke.

Understanding how long you have shown the symptoms, how they affect your daily life, how it affects your breathing are issues that will be explored to understand how long you have suffered and how serious your condition is, for the best course of treatment.

Can It Be Cured Or Is It Permanent?

Most cases of sleep apnea are permanent, however, there are instances where it is temporary and can be treated. If it is permanent, then you will have your management options; opting for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.

What Are Your Treatment Options?

This is probably the most important question and consideration after your diagnosis. After all, you want a remedy for your sleeping problem, you want to breathe better so that you can have sufficient rest when you go to bed. The doctor will help you determine the best course of treatment depending on the type of sleep apnea diagnosed and the symptoms you manifest.

What are the side effects of the sleeping medications and what are the alternatives

In some cases, sleeping medication may be prescribed instead of, or alongside the CPAP machine for the treatment and management of sleep apnea. Find out what the side effects of the drugs prescribed are and enquire about the different medicines available for treatment to help you and your doctor decide the best prescription.

What Changes Should You Make In Your Lifestyle To Help With Treatment?

Part of the management and treatment of sleep apnea is making some lifestyle changes to ameliorate the symptoms. Quitting smoking, shedding off excess weight and changing head posture when sleeping are some changes that will be required of people diagnosed with sleep apnea. Making lifestyle changes can cure mild forms of sleep apnea and will help with the management and treatment of chronic cases.

The use of a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) is the leading therapy option for those with a serious case sleep apnea. In the case where you will have to use a CPAP machine, you should ask the following:

What Is A CPAP Machine And What Does It Do?

You need to understand how the CPAP machine works and how to use it effectively to treat your conditions. Find out how to take care of it and how long you will need to use it.

Must I use the CPAP machine? Depending on your preference and the severity of your condition, you may want to ask if it is your only option or if there are alternatives you can opt for.

Where Do I Get A CPAP Machine?

Most insurance companies now provide coverage for CPAP machines. There are various providers of the machine you will be referred to for the machine and any other accompanying equipment you will need.

How to care for the CPAP machine and how it works

Find out how to care for the machine and how it works. Learn about the parts and find out how often parts like the filter and masks should be used before replacement. Depending on your medical cover, you may be eligible for automatic replacements or receive as per cover provided intervals.

Read more: Best Pillow for Side Sleepers of 2020- The Buying Guide You Need to Read

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is curable, treatable and manageable depending on the severity of the diagnosis. Like most medical conditions, sleep apnea has a negative impact on health and general wellness and can trigger other health problems.

Sleep apnea is generally about correct breathing and sleep posture. You should know what lifestyle changes will be required of you to get rid of the symptoms. These are some of the questions to ask about sleep apnea to help you understand the condition and to assist the doctor come up with the best treatment option for you.

Reference

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Crick-Out-of-Your-Neck
https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/after-the-sleep-apnea-diagnosis/