Sleep Apnea Syndrome

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is also called sleep apnea. It is a condition where you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more while you sleep. During normal sleep, your throat is kept open by muscles, which let the air pass through easily. During sleep with OSAS, the muscles and tissues around your throat relax and block air from passing through. OSAS often happens many times while you sleep. You may wake up during the night to catch your breath. You may feel tired and sleepy the next day, and you may have a hard time doing your usual activities.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Steroid spray: You spray this medicine into each of your nostrils. Steroid medicines help open your air passages so you can breathe easier. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your primary healthcare provider. Serious reactions can occur if you stop taking steroids suddenly.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to have blood taken for tests during your follow-up visits. You will need to work with your primary healthcare provider to find the right CPAP equipment and settings for you. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Prevent OSAS:

• Avoid alcoholic or sedative medicine before you sleep: This prevents muscles and tissues around your throat from relaxing and blocking the airflow to your lungs.
  
  
• Lose weight: The size of tissues around your throat may decrease if you lose weight. This may help widen your air passages and let air pass more easily through. Ask how you can reach and maintain an ideal weight.
  
  
• Sleep on your side or use pillows designed to prevent OSAS: This prevents your tongue or other tissues from blocking your throat. You can also try raising the head of your bed.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You feel tired or depressed .
  
  
• You have trouble staying awake during the day.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  

Learn more about Sleep Apnea Syndrome (Discharge Care)