7 Practical Remedies for Sleep Apnea Patients

7 Practical Remedies for Sleep Apnea Patients

People diagnosed with sleep apnea experience several stops and restarts in their breathing while they nap. As a result, their body does not get enough oxygen while asleep. Such people may show specific symptoms, including snoring or gasping while sleeping, inadequate sleep, and excessive fatigue during the daytime. Sleep apnea is a health condition affecting nearly 18 million people in the country, but it can be kept at bay with the help of many remedies. 

Changing sleeping position
Making slight modifications to the sleeping position enables a person to reduce sleep apnea symptoms subtly. It can help such people sleep soundly at night and prevent morning fatigue. Several research studies indicate that one’s sleeping position influences most obstructive sleep apnea. Healthcare experts generally suggest people avoid sleeping on their back (known as the supine sleeping position), which often worsens sleep apnea in individuals living with it. Meanwhile, certain studies point out that the supine position is better for reducing sleep apnea symptoms for kids while they sleep. Essentially, patients need to discuss body positioning during sleeping with a healthcare expert to get the best advice.

Using a CPAP machine
Many sleep apnea patients have found a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine helpful in fighting the symptoms. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure to patients through a mask when they sleep. This machine keeps a person’s upper airway passages open by maintaining higher air pressure in the mask than in the surrounding air. In addition, it drastically prevents snoring, gasping, and other sleep apnea symptoms. At first, using a CPAP machine can be challenging for many due to its relatively cumbersome nature. However, most people learn to live with the tension of the mask straps or find a secure and comfortable fit for wearing to sleep every night. To find the best CPAP machine to relax nap-time breathing or the way to use it most comfortably, one can consult their healthcare expert.

Practicing yoga
Yoga can improve an individual’s oxygen flow and strengthen their respiratory system. This is a critical factor in gradually and progressively reducing the severity of sleep apnea in people. The condition is directly linked to a drastic reduction of oxygen saturation in a person’s blood. Practicing yoga addresses this issue and reduces the number of sleep interruptions one faces during the night.

Opting for surgical treatment
There are multiple treatment options to ease sleep apnea symptoms in patients. Some of the most popular surgery options include a maxillary or jaw advancement surgery, which involves healthcare professionals surgically moving a sleep apnea patient’s upper and lower jaws forward to tangibly increase the size of their airway. It automatically improves their breathing while they sleep. Another surgical option is adenotonsillectomy, which involves doctors removing a person’s adenoids (mass of tissue located at the back of the nasal cavity) and tonsils to open up their airways and, eventually, reduce the severity of their sleep apnea. Another option involves the placement of an implant to actively monitor a sleep apnea patient’s breathing patterns whenever they nap. This data is then used to help control their airways while the patients sleep. The fourth surgical option is an operation to remove some soft tissue from a sleep apnea patient’s throat and mouth. Like the other options, this helps enlarge their upper airway to improve their nap-time breathing. Usually, surgeries are considered to be a last-stop solution if most other treatment alternatives fail to work out. However, surgeries have a higher success rate than other remedies.

Using a humidifier
Many people with sleep apnea have the condition due to exposure to dry air, which closes their air passages, increases congestion, and aggravates sleep apnea symptoms. Humidifiers are the perfect solution to this problem as they artificially add moisture to the air. When patients use this device, they can counter all the issues specified here caused by excessively dry air inhalation. Certain essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, such as peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil, so users can consider adding them to their standard humidifier. Also, one must consult their healthcare expert to know how to use humidifiers correctly and clean them to prevent molds and bacteria from entering.

Exercising regularly
Eating healthy is a big part of sleep apnea care. People must consume foods rich in nutrients to keep themselves healthy. However, an even more important aspect is daily exercise. Regular, healthy workout sessions are a must for sleep apnea patients. Exercise has benefits other than just keeping one’s body in shape. Regular exercise helps reduce a person’s BMI and burn calories. Additionally, working out properly also helps people with creating new muscle mass. Workout sessions in the daily routine help improve a person’s breathing by making them healthy. Research studies have found that people who exercise daily are less likely to have sleep apnea or other respiratory or sleep-related disorders. As a result, regular exercises are arguably the most powerful of all the natural sleep apnea remedies.

Antioxidants
Eating foods rich in antioxidants is another natural and convenient way to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Foods high in antioxidants are often vitamin-rich foods. Such foods resolve patients’ breathing issues while they sleep and reduce inflammation, one of the significant causes of sleep apnea. Additionally, antioxidant-rich foods like broccoli, avocados, beetroot, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, carrots, potatoes, artichokes, asparagus, and several other foods, also improve the health condition of blood vessels in patients’ throats. As a result, eating such foods also improves their breathing while they sleep. In addition, foods rich in antioxidants are often also rich in elements such as selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and others. Sleep apnea is primarily a sleep disorder, and antioxidants are one of the most effective agents for addressing such conditions in nearly all patients.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Psoriatic Arthritis – Progression and Management

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects individuals with psoriasis. It advances in stages and can impact people differently. For instance, some experience a gradual worsening of symptoms, while others notice the rapid development of severe discomfort. The condition usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years. Although psoriatic arthritis does not have a cure, patients may experience periods of remission where their symptoms improve significantly. Early stages of psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis usually begins after a person has had psoriasis for a while. Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by scaly, itchy, and red skin flare-ups. In the early stages of psoriatic arthritis, one may experience the following: Pain and swelling Pain and swelling may develop in smaller joints, such as the fingers and toes. Some people also report swelling in larger joints, such as the knees and ankles. The swelling is called dactylitis when it affects the whole finger or toe. The extent of the pain and swelling may differ from person to person. Changes in the nails According to statistics, more than 80% of patients with this condition develop nail changes. These changes are often considered early signs of joint disease. In some cases, this symptom may occur several years before the development of psoriatic arthritis. Some changes patients notice include the development of shallow ridges on the nail surface, small indentions on the nail bed surface, line-shaped clots on the nail, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Joint problems Those suffering from psoriasis may also complain of joint problems, such as reduced range of motion, inflammation of the tendons or ligaments in the affected area, and swelling. In rare cases, patients may also experience spine inflammation, leading to increased discomfort and spinal pain. These symptoms make it hard for one to carry on day-to-day tasks. The symptoms sometimes extend beyond joints and nails in the early psoriatic arthritis stages. Common examples include fatigue, skin rash, or conjunctivitis. With such varying symptoms, diagnosing the condition early is imperative to manage the symptoms and flare-ups more efficiently. Progression of psoriatic arthritis The condition's progression may vary from one person to another. In some cases, it may affect the same joints on both sides of the body, increasing the patient's discomfort. Hence, patients are suggested to seek the advice of a healthcare professional at the earliest. As the condition progresses, one may experience periodic flare-ups, which, if left untreated, may lead to permanent bone damage. This happens due to prolonged inflammation of the bones, causing them to erode. Furthermore, the joint space may become narrow, affecting the ability to move. However, in rare cases, patients have experienced complete remission of the condition without treatment. Later stages of psoriatic arthritis While the disorder may progress differently in each patient, the worsening of the symptoms usually indicates the progression of the disease and the need for more aggressive treatment. Here are some symptoms one should keep an eye out for as they signify the problem could be worsening: Constant flares A one-off flare may not appear serious; it has become more acceptable during periods of remission. However, flare-ups every couple of months could mean the condition has progressed to the later stages. Constant flares might also lead to other complications, like joint damage. A significant loss in joint mobility This is another indicator of the condition's gradual worsening. A patient who could flex their wrist 60 degrees a couple of years ago may now begin to lose 50 percent or more of that range of motion. This might interfere with their inability to carry out day-to-day activities. Decreased joint mobility can also worsen other discomforts like stiffness, pain, and the likelihood of permanent bone changes. Fused spine People may suffer damage to the spine in the later psoriatic arthritis stages. Some develop axial spondyloarthritis of psoriasis, a condition where the spinal joints become inflamed, eventually causing their fusion. It leads to decreased flexibility and chronic pain in the spine and affected areas. Besides the above, patients may experience increased fatigue. Statistics confirm that about 50 percent with psoriatic arthritis report moderate-to-severe fatigue levels, and nearly 30 percent have severe fatigue. Moreover, the combination of symptoms like fatigue, psoriasis symptoms, joint pain, and swelling may lead to isolation in a few people, trigger high levels of depression, and make it hard to maintain an active social life. Ways to manage or slow down psoriatic arthritis progression While the condition has no cure and one cannot reverse its severity, there are ways to manage the ailment and slow down its progression. However, these methods may work considerably better when started earlier. Patients can manage the condition and its accompanying symptoms using the following remedies: Exercise Additional stress on the joints may lead to an increased level of discomfort. Hence, patients are asked to practice low-impact exercises like biking and swimming to improve overall health, increase their range of motion, and strengthen their muscles. Yoga is also beneficial in improving flexibility. Hot and cold therapy Applying a heating pad may help tense muscles relax, reducing joint strain. On the other hand, placing an ice pack on the affected area can reduce swelling and pain. This remedy must be practiced correctly and regularly for the best results. The best way to deal with psoriatic arthritis is to prevent it in the first place. Those with psoriasis should take the necessary preventive measures as they are more susceptible to this kind of arthritis. Some other risk factors are scalp psoriasis, psoriasis on fingernails, a family history of psoriatic arthritis, and being between 30 and 50 years. Individuals with these risk factors should go for regular screenings to diagnose the problem at the earliest.

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