Pressurised air 'can help sleep apnoea patients'
The best treatment for sleep apnoea is pressurised air, such as oxygen-enriched air, according to an expert.
Dr Paul Donohue, writing for the Herald Review, said that sleep apnoea causes depleted blood oxygen, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
The expert added that the condition can lead to loud snoring, daytime grogginess and bouts of daytime sleep.
As the lax tissues in the mouth and throat collapse and obstruct airflow, oxygen-enriched air can be used to "make its way through the obstruction in the throat and mouth".
Another tip from Dr Donohue included losing weight, as a ten per cent loss in body weight can lead to a reduction in apnoeic episodes.
A Japanese study also found that oxygen-enriched air can reduce incidences of sleep apnoea.
The 13 patients in the study who received oxygen therapy during sleep saw an improvement in their oxygen desaturation index.
Posted by Jenny Richards
16/02/2010 16:43:25
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