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What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea and How is the Condition Treated?
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder which affects a smooth sleep session. Different from normal snoring, is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts as the person sleeps. These breathing breaks can occur hundreds of times during a night’s sleep, but the person may not be aware of this. It is estimated that about 8090% of the people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Causes of Sleep Apnea The body is in a relaxed position when asleep and sleep apnea is caused when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles
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support the soft palate, uvula, side walls of the throat, tonsils, and the tongue. When these muscles are relaxed, the airway narrows or closes when breathing in and obstructs smooth breathing, which in turn lowers the level of oxygen in the blood. This disrupts sleep and the person wakes up. These interruptions occur throughout the night though the person would be hardly aware of them. They would be under the impression that they slept well though they have not. If sleep deprivation is chronic it can affect the person’s reflexes and ability to concentrate on even basic tasks during daytime. In the long run, the condition can lead to health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. Risks of this disease when an individual is • • • • • •
Related to someone who has sleep apnea Over the age of 65 A smoker Overweight Male Black, Hispanic, or a Pacific Islander
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Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea • • • •
Dry mouth or sore throat at wake ups Not able to concentrate Irritations and depressions Morning headaches • Loss of memory • Learning problems • Mood swings and personality changes • Waking up frequently to urinate How Is Sleep Apnea Treated? A nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is what is initially recommended for an individual with sleep apnea. However, most people wear it only for about half the recommended time. Surgical treatment can permanently resolve the ailment. Surgeons advise sleep apnea surgery for moderate-severe OSA, OSA with co-morbid medical conditions, OSA with anatomic airway irregularities, heavy daytime sleepiness, and when a non-surgical therapy fails. •
Tracheostomy: An opening hole is created through the neck into the windpipe to bypass the obstructed airway.
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Tonsillectomy: The tonsils and adenoids are first removed and skeletal surgery is performed later to resolve enduring airway anomalies if any. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): The tonsils are removed and the walls of the pharynx are tightened. Genioglossus advancement: The base muscles of the tongue are moved forward on a tiny piece of bone attached to the mandible to expand the hypopharyngeal airway. Procedures are also performed to resolve a small airway. Hyoid myotomy: The treatment moves the tongue base muscles forward, pulling it away from the back of the throat and widening the airway. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA): The plastic surgeon cuts the upper and lower jaw bones and moves them forward. This procedure has a high success rate and, in addition to sleep apnea, cures associated medical conditions as well. Distraction osteogenesis: This treatment, which distracts the lower jaw and resolves neonates, is useful for children. It is advised for children with Treacher Collins syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence and hemifacial microsomia.
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Surgical incisions are made in the lower jawbone and devices are placed over these incisions which stretch the bones over time. If you or a loved one has symptoms of this condition, consult a plastic surgeon who has a high rate of success with sleep apnea treatment.