Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a very complex clinical condition which, if neglected, can lead to serious consequences.
The treatment is modulated according to the causes at the origin of the disorder and the severity of the clinical picture. In any case, the goal is basically the elimination or reduction of the causes that determine the obstruction and the episodes of apnea-hypopnea in the sleep.
The initial therapeutic approach includes an educational program and behavioral suggestions, such as adhering to a low-calorie diet in case of overweight.
To these measures, we can add:
- The ventilatory treatment with positive pressure (Positive Airway Pressure - PAP);
- Positional therapy to accustom the person not to sleep on their stomach;
- ENT or maxillofacial surgery for the correction of obstructions of the upper airways;
- The use of special mobile orthodontic appliances to be used at night (mandibular protrusors) to improve the passage of air in the presence of a small mandible.
