Method and composition for treating sleep apnea
First Claim
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea comprising applying a pulmonary alveolar surfactant preparation in a pharmacologically effective dose to the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient prior to a period of sleep.
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Abstract
Application of synthetic or naturally occurring lung surfactant to the posterior pharyngeal region prior to a period of sleep significantly reduces episodes of sleep disturbance resulting in apnea or hypopnea. The present invention provides lung surfactant in a convenient applicator container for easy use and storage. Incidents of oxygen desaturation are reduced, thereby lowering the risks of apnea-associated pathologies.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for treating sleep apnea comprising
applying a pulmonary alveolar surfactant preparation in a pharmacologically effective dose to the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient prior to a period of sleep.
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2. A method for treating sleep apnea comprising
applying a phospholipid-containing surfactant preparation capable of lowering the surface tension of water to about 15-50 mN*− - 1 in a pharmacologically effective dose to the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient prior to a period of sleep.
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6. An article of manufacture for treating sleep apnea comprising
an inhaler vessel having a reservoir portion and a nozzle portion, said inhaler vessel being capable of propelling a liquid in an aerosol; -
a liquid contained in said vessel having the composition of a phospholipid surfactant; and
a label affixed to said inhaler vessel providing direction for use in treating sleep apnea whereby when said nozzle portion is aligned to direct said aerosol to provide a coating of the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient.
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7. An apparatus for treating sleep apnea comprising:
an inhaler vessel capable of propelling a liquid in an aerosol, said inhaler vessel comprising;
a reservoir portion capable of holding a liquid;
a nozzle portion capable of being aligned to direct the aerosol toward the posterior pharyngeal region of a patient;
a liquid having the composition of a phospholipid surfactant; and
a label affixed to said reservoir providing direction for use in treating sleep apnea.
Specification