Q&A: Healthy Advice from
Fauquier Health

Q: What is sleep apnea and what can be done to treat it?

 

A: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from crowding in the upper airway that causes an obstruction in the back of the throat. Snoring can be a harbinger for the condition, so frequent snorers should talk with their doctors.

OSA halts breathing during sleep from five to 15 times an hour — and in some cases, up to 100 times an hour. Interrupted breathing restricts the body’s oxygen supply and leaves people with OSA tired all the time.

Between two and 20 percent of Americans have sleep apnea. Treatment options range from adjusting medications for other illnesses to losing weight to using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The CPAP device fits over the mouth or nose and pushes air into the back of the throat. Surgery is also an option in some cases.

 

Q: What can I do to ease my allergy symptoms during the summer months?

 

A: Seasonal allergies can be a burden, causing symptoms including congestion, coughing, weakness and wheezing. In the summer, the culprits can be outdoor molds and pollen from grass and trees. In late summer, ragweed pollen can be high and aggravate allergies for several weeks.

For many people, allergies are a source of lingering sinus problems. Allergic reactions can cause swelling and infected fluid to build up inside the hollow areas around your nose. If your sinuses are bothering you, try inhaling steam from a cup of hot water. Applying a hot, wet towel against your face also may help. Drinking fluids can help thin your nasal discharge.

Your local pharmacy also may provide some solutions to help your symptoms. For example, over-the-counter saline nasal sprays or solutions can rinse out your sinuses. Antihistamines and decongestants also may provide some relief. Your doctor can recommend further therapies to treat your most uncomfortable symptoms.

In addition, you can reduce your symptoms by limiting your outdoor activities in the early morning hours before 10 a.m., when pollen levels can be high. Also, keep windows closed and the airconditioning running.

Besides avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms, you may want to avoid drinking alcohol since it can make sinus swelling worse.

 

Q: My soccer-playing son hurt his ACL. What do I do now?

 

A: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a crucial role in the knee’s stability, especially when an athlete is cutting, pivoting or moving laterally.

A definitive diagnosis is made by physical examination. X-rays and MRIs are usually obtained to confirm the diagnosis and to look for associated injuries, such as meniscal tears or cartilage damage.

The ACL will not heal itself with rest, immobilization or time. Treatment consists of physical therapy, activity modification or surgery.

In order to restore the stability of the knee, a surgical reconstruction may be performed, in which another ligament or tendon is used as a graft to replace the injured ACL. There are many different graft options and different techniques used to reconstruct the ACL, which your doctor can explain to you. The most common way to reconstruct the ACL is arthroscopically. The surgeon uses small incisions, a camera and specialized instruments to perform the surgery, allowing for the quickest recovery possible.

Rehabilitation varies by doctor, but generally aims to protect against any type of cutting or lateral movement for three months, with a gradual return to full activity by six months. The rehabilitation is lengthy and requires several months of physical therapy — all essential to a positive outcome. The good news is that a full return to pre-injury activities can be expected.

 

The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Healthy Happenings published by Fauquier Hospital.

t o p  o f  p a g e