Treatment Options for Obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing pauses during sleep, resulting in periodic, partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway. This breathing disorder makes the person wake up slightly many times during the night, often gasping for air to resume normal breathing. If untreated, the condition can cause life-threatening health problems such as a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, weight gain or high blood pressure. Based on the severity of symptoms, there are various sleep apnea treatment options.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea During the initial consultation, the physician will examine the nasal and mouth airflow for determining the severity of the sleep apnea condition. A polysomnogram or sleep study may be conducted to understand physical activities during sleep. Surgical or non-surgical treatment options will be recommended based on the severity of the condition.
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The first step and the most common form of treatment for patients suffering from OSA is the usage of a nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)machine connected to a nose or face mask via tubing. This machine gently increases air pressure holds the tissues and removes upper airway blocks during sleep, thus preventing snoring and OSA. Surgical correction is required for conditions such as:
Anatomic airway defects
Co-existing conditions such as heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure and more
Extreme as well as medium OSA
Patients who have low apnea but still experience extreme sleepiness during daytime
Surgical treatments for OSA include the following:
Tracheostomy - A tube is surgically inserted into the trachea through an incision made on the lower neck to provide an airway. The tube is capped during the day time, allowing the patient to breathe and speak normally. Tracheal stenosis, bleeding and recurrent bronchitis are the long-term issues associated with this treatment. Due to the risks and long-term complications involved, this procedure is not used very often.
Tonsillectomy - This is a common treatment for children affected by this breathing disorder. It involves the removal of the adenoids and enlarged tonsils that are responsible for the blockage of the air passage.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) - This is one of the most common surgeries recommended for patients with extra soft tissue of the palate and uvula. The obstruction in the upper airway is eliminated by removing the tonsils and tightening the pharynx walls. When the extra tissues are surgically removed, the upper airway is opened. This reduces the severity of the condition and resolves snoring.
Genioglossus Advancement - This procedure is usually performed in combination with other surgical procedures. The muscles of the tongue base are advanced forward on a small piece of bone attached to the mandible. This opens up the hypopharyngeal airway, ensuring smooth breathing.
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Hyoid Myotomy – In this procedure the airway is enlarged by advancing the muscles of the tongue base forward, resulting in the pulling away of the tongue base from the back of the throat. It is often combined with other procedures that enlarge this portion of the airway.
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) - This is a highly effective procedure for treating OSA, including a number of medical problems associated with the disorder. The surgeon cuts the bones of both the lower and upper jaw and advances them forward for easy passage of air. This enlarges the airway and holds the muscles tightly, which helps in preventing airway collapse.
Distraction Osteogenesis - Airway obstruction in toddlers and neonates can be effectively treated with this procedure. It involves making surgical incisions in the lower jawbone and placing devices over these incisions that gradually stretch the bones. 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.
For efficient treatment of OSA, it is important to approach a plastic surgeon who is trained and experienced in providing sleep apnea treatment. Selecting a plastic surgery center that is AAASF-accredited will ensure patient safety and comfort. Such plastic surgery centers would be equipped with the advanced equipment and have caring, friendly and knowledgeable supportive staff.
www.hpcsurgery.com
713-791-0700