Sleep Apnea Treatment Rockville, MD
If you believe you suffer from sleep apnea, you should know that sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD is available. That being said, before you can get any kind of treatment you will need to be diagnosed with the disorder. In fact, this is prudent because sleep apnea can cause severe health problems, including those related to the heart.
If you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, the first step will be to talk about your suspicions with your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, or cannot get an appointment for one in a timely manner, you can go to a sleep specialist such as one from Pain Arthritis Relief Center. Before you seek a specialist for sleep apnea treatment Rockville, MD has to offer, we encourage you to review your insurance policy first. Keep in mind some policies will require you to see your primary care doctor first, and some will limit the facilities whose services they will cover. Some people will find out their policy offers very little, or no coverage, for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment. In this case, you are advised to consult your insurance company to see whether or not they will allow it, or consider changing insurers – if possible.
Before you get a diagnosis and sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD, it can help to prepare a detailed account of your lifestyle and medical history. This is often necessary for the initial exam.
Sleep Specialists for Sleep Apnea
Sleep specialists can come from a broad range of medical backgrounds. They may include:
- Pulmonologists (lung specialist)
- Neurologist (brain and nerve specialist)
- Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist)
- Psychiatrist (mental health)
- Primary care doctors
- Chiropractors
- Dentists (some have training in sleep-disordered breathing)
A diagnosis of sleep apnea can be made with various tests and a complete examination. Some people will undergo a sleep study at a sleep lab, at home using special equipment. A sleep study is usually conducted over the course of several hours and records brain activity during this period of time. The records are obtained through an EEG or EOG. They may include the monitoring of brain waves, eye and chin movements, heart rate, respiration, oxygen levels in the body, and more. The tests are pain-free and overseen by various specialists. In general, the average person will first undergo an at home, self-administered study.
If it is believed you have sleep apnea, you may be fitted with a positive airway pressure device and recommended other forms of sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD. Treatment for the disorder can be broad, and will largely depend on the severity of the condition, as well as other factors. You may be fitted with an oral mouth guard, special oxygen mask, or bedding that prevents you from sleeping on your back. Chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, and nutritional guidance are also recommended for sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, Maryland.
