Doctors Answers (3)
Sleep apnea requires periodic follow up usually once a year. If you haven't seen a sleep doc in over a year, it is probably best you see one. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition and doesn't cure itself. I compare it to like diabetes, once you have it you have it. Now the best thing that can be done is manage it. Most commonly with time, pressure needs are changed. Sounds like you may need a higher pressure or pressure needs adjustment.
Once the proper diagnosis is made the prognosis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is good if treated night with a positive airway pressure device or an oral appliance. Weight loss and improving sleep hygiene and treatment of other significant health conditions are also important in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing.
The prognosis for chronic sleep apnea (presumably, obstructive sleep apnea) is good and bad. It is good as there are effective treatments such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). It is bad as it rarely goes away as we get older. Sometimes, losing weight will help if being overweight is an issue. See your doctor who can arrange for treatment.
