What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea and How it Is Treated

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – An Overview

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by the crumpling and blocking of soft tissue in the hindmost part of the throat. In such a condition, the patient usually wakes up from sleep to gasp for air. Additionally, chances of having OSA are increased if you have temporary or permanent brain injury, reduced muscle tone, excess soft tissue around the upper airway and irregular shape of the mouth/jaw.

Major symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are morning headache, high blood pressure, lack of concentration/memory, erectile dysfunction, increased urination, insomnia, and drowsiness in day time, anxiety, depression, loud snoring and gasping for air during sleep. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids block the airway causing OSA in children. Regular consumption of sedative or alcohol also might lead to OSA. This article provides information on what obstructive sleep apnea is and how it is treated.

How to Diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A trained physician makes a diagnosis of the patient to determine whether he/she has symptoms of OSA and sleepiness during day time. Then blood pressure is checked and due importance is also given for blood test to detect any thyroid issues. Other tests conducted to diagnose OSA are nocturnal polysomnography, oximetry and Epworth sleepiness scale.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Treatment Options

Surgical and non-surgical treatments are provided for OSA depending on the severity of the disease and shape of facial bones. Mild OSA can be treated with change in the lifestyle such as weight loss, cutting out use of alcohol and sedatives and change in position during sleep.

Non-surgical treatments available for OSA are:

• Mandibular advancement device is an oral device to keep the throat open for easy air passage.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is another option to treat mild or severe OSA, though there are a few associated side effects such as nasal congestion, unbalanced swallowing of air, chest pain and dry eyes.

Surgical treatments for OSA include:

• Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made through the neck to the windpipe. Through this a tube is inserted to create an airway.

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is recommended if the patient has additional soft tissue of palate and uvula. Surgical removal of extra tissues helps to open upper airway even though chances exist for the reappearance of symptoms in a period of five years.

• Tonsillectormy is done to remove the enlarged tonsils or adenoids of children for creating unobstructed air passage.

• Hyoid myotomy helps to pull the tongue base forward so that the airway is opened more. This surgery is done along with UPPP and genioglossus advancement.

• Distraction osteogenesis is recommended for young children and newborns if they have severe bone anomalies such as Pierre Robin sequence, Treacher Collins syndrome and hemifacial microsomia.

• Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) provides an option to put the upper and lower jaw in the appropriate place, thus enlarging the airway and tightening the muscles in the area.

To find out what obstructive sleep apnea is and how it is treated, consult a certified plastic surgeon and sleep apnea treatment surgeon. It is worthwhile to use the facilities of an AAAASF accredited plastic surgery center for enjoying good results.