According to a new study from the American College of Physicians (ACP), published in Annals of Internal Medicine recommends weight loss and use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), as initial treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Over 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea, the increasing factor of hypertension, heart failure, stroke, heart attack and diabetes.
“Obesity is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea and the evidence indicates that intensive weight loss interventions help improve sleep study results and symptoms of OSA”, said Molly Cooke, MD, FACP, president, ACP. Dr. Cooke is also a member of ACP's Clinical Guidelines Committee. “Plus, losing extra weight is associated with many other health benefits”.
“The evidence shows that a mandibular advancement device can effectively improve sleep study results and sleepiness”, Dr. Cooke said. “However, CPAP more effectively raised the minimum oxygen saturation compared to MAD”.
ACP's guideline, “Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults”, also includes advice to help physicians practice high value care. “Physicians should stress the importance of compliance with treatments, especially CPAP”, said Dr. Cooke. “Doctors should weigh patient preferences and the likelihood of therapy adherence against costs before initiating CPAP treatment”.
Signs and risks of sleep apnea
Not only overweight people can have OSA; its risks are available for any age and a family history of this condition also presents a high risk to its development. The most common OSA signs include chronic snoring, morning headache, inability to concentrate, feeling depressed, personality changes or dry mouth.
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