Obstructive sleep apnea how it is treated

Obstructive Sleep Apnea - How It Is Treated

Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery http://www.hpcsurgery.com/

A common form of sleep disorder, OSA or obstructive sleep apnea can be experienced by any person, irrespective of age. OSA occurs due to complete or partial blocking of the upper airway as a result of the collapsing of the soft tissue at the back of the throat. OSA causes disruption of normal breathing. However, this condition can be treated effectively with sleep apnea treatment provided by experienced surgeons in Houston, Texas. Some of the common symptoms of OSA are: 

Disturbed sleeping pattern

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Feeling tired during day time and excessive depression

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Change in personality with the person becoming short tempered

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Recurring headaches during morning time and high blood pressure

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Difficult to monitor and concentrate on daily activities

Following are some of the options available for obstructive sleep apnea treatment: Although there are various options available for the treatment of OSA, the type of treatment will depend upon the severity of the symptoms. The treatment choices comprise positive pressure therapy, surgical treatment, oral applications and positional treatment. Mandibular advance devices and tongue retaining devices are made use of in cases of moderate OSA. Another method is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which is known to be a very effective therapy.

However, the therapy comes with its own share of side effects such as chest pain, dry eyes, nasal congestion or unbalanced air swallowing. Moderate or severe complications such as daytime sleepiness, airway blockage and high blood pressure can be corrected with the help of sleep apnea surgery.

Sleep apnea surgery options are mentioned below: 

Tonsillectomy

This treatment is provided mostly for children suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

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Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

This treatment is recommended for patients having extra soft tissue of the palate and uvula. The procedure requires the removal of tonsils and tightening of the pharynx walls, and helps in eliminating the obstruction in the upper airway. This also helps in reducing snoring to a great extent. However, the symptoms are likely to reoccur in 5 years’ time. 

Tracheostomy

The process of tracheostomy requires the surgeon to make an incision in the lower neck after which a tube is placed through this opening and an airway is created. However, due to the risks and long term complications involved, this procedure is not used very often. 

Hyoid Myotomy

The procedure helps in widening of the airway by pulling the tongue base forward. In most of the cases, this procedure is performed along with MMA (maxillomandibular advancement) and UPPP. This procedure has a high success rate. 

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

This is a highly effective procedure for treating OSA, which involves the cutting of both upper and lower jaw bones and advancing them forward. 

Genioglossus Advancement

In this, the muscles of the tongue base are advanced forward on a small piece of bone attached to the mandible. This procedure opens up the hypopharyngeal airway and is usually combined with other surgical procedures to correct a small airway. 

Distraction Osteogenesis

The procedure is helpful in treating airway obstruction in toddlers and neonates. Incisions are made in the lower jawbone. Devices to slowly “stretch” the bones are placed over the incisions.

The procedure helps to restore a more anatomically normal bony shape. Moreover, children undergoing this surgery can avoid a future tracheostomy and associated long-term complications.

Effective results and safety are ensured when the sleep apnea treatment is provided by an experienced and reliable plastic surgeon at an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery facility.

About Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery is an established surgical center based in Houston, Texas offering effective cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. For more details, visit www.hpcsurgery.com.

Contact Information 6400 Fannin, Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Ph: 713-791-0700 Fax: 713-719-0703 http://www.hpcsurgery.com/