4 Ways to Prevent Sleep Apnea Complications

In and of itself, sleep apnea is already a pain. It prevents you from getting good sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, headaches, and more.

There’s a deeper and bigger issue with this condition, though. Left unchecked, sleep apnea can result in serious complications like high blood pressure and heart damage.

If you’re living with sleep apnea, proactively managing your condition becomes extra important. We can help there. Because Matthew W. Shawl, MD, has extensive experience treating people with sleep apnea, he can come alongside you to lower your risk of complications. Visit him and our team at our New York City office in Union Square.

Dr. Shawl tailors care for your needs, the type of sleep apnea you have, and other factors specific to you. That said, he generally recommends these four ways to lower your risk of sleep apnea complications.

#1: Support healthy breathing

First things first, managing sleep apnea means finding a way for your body to get sufficient oxygen throughout the night.

In some people — particularly those with obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type — an oral appliance helps provide sufficient airflow. Basically, you wear a specialized mouthguard, and it keeps your airways open through the night.

If an oral appliance doesn’t offer enough support, you can use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

#2: Manage underlying conditions

This is where Dr. Shawl comes in. Other conditions could be contributing to your sleep apnea.

At our office, Dr. Shawl screens you for things that increase breathing difficulty, like:

A narrow throat
Allergic rhinitis
Deviated septum
Enlarged adenoids
Enlarged tonsils

Addressing these ear, nose, or throat (ENT) problems helps you breathe more easily. That, in turn, helps to lower your risk of sleep apnea complications.

#3: Avoid vices

There’s a link between smoking and obstructive sleep apnea. Just as importantly, research indicates that quitting smoking can help you get better sleep, reducing your risk of complications.

If you need help quitting (we know it’s not easy), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a range of resources.

Similarly, alcohol can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse. It also reduces blood oxygen levels, which heightens your risk for serious health complications.

#4: Work to reach and maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight makes you more likely to experience sleep apnea. At the same time, both obesity and sleep apnea increase your risk for serious health issues like heart problems and stroke.

The reverse is also true. Managing your weight gives you a way to reduce your sleep apnea symptoms while lowering your risk of complications.

Dr. Shawl can help you find the right device to breathe more easily during the night. Pair that with healthy lifestyle choices and care for any underlying ENT issues to further lower your risk.

For a screening for ear, nose, or throat issues that could be worsening your sleep apnea, call us or book your visit online today.