This might sound odd but can you trim fat in your tongue to ease symptoms of sleep apnea? It is possible. While it is not a well-known fact that there is fat in our tongues, it is an important topic to cover. Several studies have looked at fat in tongues, but understanding the symptoms and causes of a larger tongue can help determine if it is affecting your sleep and well-being. After all, a large tongue can signal sleep apnea.
What is a fat tongue?
Obesity is the leading cause of sleep apnea. If a person has obesity, they tend to have larger tongues, which can block the airway during sleep. It creates a restricted airflow and causes blockage of the back of the throat because it cannot open as wide as it should.
As a result, people stop breathing many times a night. While sleep apnea is treatable, it is important to address underlying conditions as well. If the problem is the size of your tongue, there are additional ways to treat your sleep apnea.
How do you trim fat in your tongue?
We all know how difficult weight loss can be. But now you want me to cut down the weight of my tongue? That sounds impossible, right? I understand your frustrations. While there are no weights for your tongue to lift or high intensity interval training to really cut down your weight, you can still get help.
One way is with the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine. Worn at night, the CPAP machine helps improve the flow of air through your nose and mouth. Additionally, losing weight in general can help shrink the size of your tongue. If you are actively working to lose weight, you will notice a change in your tongue size too.
Contact Dr. Patel at Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia to learn more about your risk for sleep apnea and what treatment options are available.
