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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Sleep Apnea & using Bi-pap
Answered by
CO
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Sleep Apnea & using Bi-pap
by BlueStarMom, Aug 09, 2007 12:00AM
59 year old adult male. Diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea and given a bi-level machine for use. Should he be using this every night/all night? So far the use is sporadic so I am wondering if there is any benefit being gained. I might also add that he has type 2 diabetes (not under control even with insulin), COPD,has had 1 heart attack (stent put in), smokes 2 packs a day and is extremely overweight. He will not do anything to change these things, just takes the pills/shots and figures that is all that is needed. The main thing I am wondering is if the sporadic use of Bi-Pap is better than not at all? Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish Health, Aug 15, 2007 05:33PM
, Aug 15, 2007 05:33PM
The sporadic use of Bi-PAP for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may confer some benefit but, at best, much less than consistent use of Bi-PAP. A person who uses this mode of treatment in a sporadic way is not really treating his OSA.
And, there is a relationship between OSA and diabetes to the extent that the treatment of OSA often reduces the severity and increases the ease of control of diabetes. Most important is that smoking and being extremely overweight makes both conditions worse. Regardless of whatever other treatment this man takes, he will remain in poor health if he does not lose weight, control his OSA with the Bi-PAP and treat his diabetes optimally.
And, there is a relationship between OSA and diabetes to the extent that the treatment of OSA often reduces the severity and increases the ease of control of diabetes. Most important is that smoking and being extremely overweight makes both conditions worse. Regardless of whatever other treatment this man takes, he will remain in poor health if he does not lose weight, control his OSA with the Bi-PAP and treat his diabetes optimally.
