An Easier Treatment for Sleep Apnea

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- People suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may soon have an easier and more comfortable treatment option.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University are reporting good results in a new study that gauged the effectiveness of treatment with nasal insufflation, or TNI. Unlike the standard treatment, which is called CPAP and requires patients to wear an uncomfortable mask or other facial interface, TNI requires the use of only a nasal cannula. The cannula -- which fits into the nostrils -- delivers warm, humidified air at high rates of flow, which effectively keeps the airways open during sleep.

The investigators tested TNI in 11 patients with mild to severe sleep apnea. Results showed a standard flow of 20 liters of air per minute was effective at relieving the apneas (a cessation of breathing) and hypopneas (a reduction in airflow) in all of the patients.

"Current treatment options… are often intrusive or invasive and not well-tolerated, leaving a vast number of patients untreated," study author Hartmut Schneider, M.D., was quoted as saying. "We developed a simplified method for increasing pharyngeal pressure by delivering warm and humidified air at a continuous high flow rate through the open nasal cannula."

Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting more than 12 million people in this country alone. Left untreated, it can increase the risk for serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and diabetes. People who suffer from sleep apnea are also significantly more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents and accidents occurring on the job.

Many argue better treatments for the condition are sorely needed because statistics show only about 50 percent to 60 percent of people prescribed CPAP stick with the therapy, mainly due to unwanted side effects like discomfort, nasal irritation, claustrophobia and skin breakdown.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published online July 16, 2007
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