Have you ever slept next to someone with loud snoring? It can be annoying, but more importantly, it can hint at underlying health conditions. Sometimes, it can be a symptom of sleep apnea. If left undetected and untreated, the results can be serious.
Those diagnosed with sleep apnea need to choose the right treatment method. Top ENT specialists help the victims decide viable treatment methods.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about sleep apnea and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
The basis of sleep apnea
Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and resume during sleep. These periodic pauses are called apnea. They may recur several times per hour and persist for seconds or minutes. This affects sleep quality. Moreover, your body does not get enough oxygen, leading to serious health issues.
Three main types are central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome.
OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax too much in sleep, obstructing the upper airway. In CSA, your brain cannot send proper signals to those muscles that handle the breathing process. In Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome, both OSA and CSA are combined.
Why should sleep apnea be taken seriously?
Sleep apnea may cause the following health conditions when not treated properly:
- High blood pressure– Recurring drops in your oxygen levels can raise blood pressure and tax the cardiovascular system.
- Stroke- Sleep apnea stresses the blood vessels constantly, and that can lead to a risk of developing stroke.
- Heart disease: A Sudden drop in blood oxygen taxes the heart, leading to the development of heart disorders.
- Diabetes- Frequent disruptions in the sleeping cycle can affect insulin resistance, and that can make things harder for people with diabetic conditions.
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How do ENT doctors diagnose this health condition?
ENT specialists use physical examinations and specialized tests to affirm the condition. Of course, they will also analyze your medical history. The widely used diagnostic methods include a home sleep test, polysomnography, oximetry, and physical examination.
What are the non-surgical treatment options?
Typically, ENT specialists offer non-surgical treatment to people developing sleep apnea. They offer the following solutions:
- Lifestyle changes include weight loss, reduced alcohol consumption, and sleeping on the side.
- A continuous positive airway pressure machine is used to treat cases of serious OSA. It delivers constant air pressure using a mask.
- Doctors may also offer customized dental devices to adjust airflow and reduce nasal congestion.
What are the surgical treatment options?
ENT specialists recommend surgery to treat sleep apnea when all non-surgical methods fail. The procedures used in surgery include Septoplasty, which straightens a deviated nasal septum for better airflow, and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which removes excess throat tissue. Other options are Tongue Reduction Surgery, Tonsillectomy, etc.
Making the right choice for sleep apnea treatment
ENT specialists analyze the disease severity and other health issues before recommending a treatment option for sleep apnea. Mild cases are treated with oral appliances and lifestyle changes, while moderate cases require CPAP therapy.
In severe OSA cases, doctors perform surgical procedures. Recovery after the surgery is usually smooth, with patients experiencing the benefits within a few weeks.