Final answer:
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment options include weight loss, alcohol avoidance, CPAP use, oral devices, and potentially surgery to remove airway obstructions. Central sleep apnea may also require supplemental oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatments and management possibilities for obstructive sleep apnea include a variety of approaches. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and changing sleep positions can alleviate symptoms. The use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device is the most common and effective treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. This machine keeps the airway open by providing a steady flow of pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep. For some, an oral device may be used to shift the jaw forward, helping to maintain an open airway. In certain cases, especially when non-surgical therapies are ineffective, patients may undergo surgery to remove obstructive tissues from the airway, such as the tonsils or part of the soft palate. Patients with central sleep apnea, which involves the brain's signaling to the respiratory system, might additionally require supplemental oxygen.