Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of adults in the United States alone. One of the common questions among those diagnosed with sleep apnea is whether this condition will go away on its own or with treatment. While the chronic condition typically does not go away, the professionals at Texas ENT Specialists are here to help you learn more about and manage sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and occur multiple times throughout the night.
The two main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA):
- OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or entirely blocked. This obstruction leads to pauses in breathing and often results in snoring and disrupted sleep patterns.
- CSA is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. This results in a lack of effort to breathe during sleep, leading to breathing pauses.
Will Sleep Apnea Go Away Naturally?
It's important to understand that sleep apnea is a chronic condition that typically does not resolve independently. While making specific lifestyle changes can improve symptoms, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, these changes may not eliminate sleep apnea, especially if the condition is moderate to severe.
Sleep apnea often persists due to underlying anatomical or medical factors contributing to airway obstruction or breathing irregularities during sleep. These structural issues are not easily resolved without targeted interventions. In CSA, the fundamental neurological mechanisms involved typically require medical management rather than spontaneous resolution.
Why You Should Treat Sleep Apnea
While sleep apnea may not go away on its own, proper treatment can effectively manage the condition and improve overall quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Daytime fatigue
For many people with sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard for treatment. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth during sleep. This airflow helps keep the airway open, preventing breathing pauses and improving sleep quality.
Other treatment options for sleep apnea include:
- Oral appliances that help reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open
- Surgery to remove excess tissue blocking the airway
- Newer therapies like Inspire™ that stimulate the muscles to prevent airway collapse
People with sleep apnea can benefit from personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs by seeking diagnosis and treatment from experienced healthcare providers like Texas ENT Specialists. Our team of expert ENT doctors specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, using the latest technologies and evidence-based approaches.
Solve Sleep Apnea Issues with Texas ENT Specialists
While sleep apnea may not go away naturally, with the right approach and expertise from healthcare professionals, those with sleep apnea can experience significant improvement in symptoms and overall quality of life.
Don't let sleep apnea jeopardize your health. Take control by scheduling a consultation with Texas ENT Specialists today!
