Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of sleep apnea can occur in individuals of all genders and ages. Sleep apnea is caused by narrowing of the upper respiratory airway, which occurs due to relaxation and collapse of the soft palate, the uvula, and the tongue during sleep. It often occurs during deep sleep and worsens when sleeping on one's back. If the symptoms are severe, sleep apnea can occur in all sleeping positions.

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‘Sleep Apnea’ may seem like a common issue that can occur in individuals of all genders and ages, but did you know that it is more dangerous than it seems? In reality, sleep apnea is a problem that can have long-term effects on the health of both the affected individual and those living with them.

The symptoms of sleep apnea can occur in individuals of all genders and ages. Sleep apnea is caused by narrowing of the upper respiratory airway, which occurs due to relaxation and collapse of the soft palate, the uvula, and the tongue during sleep. It often occurs during deep sleep and worsens when sleeping on one’s back. If the symptoms are severe, sleep apnea can occur in all sleeping positions.

Sleep apnea… more dangerous than you think. 

Dangerous sleep apnea refers to episodes of respiratory obstruction or cessation of breathing during sleep, leading to inadequate oxygen intake by the body. This results in shallow sleep, increased workload on the heart, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to insufficient blood supply. It is also associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and hormonal imbalance. Additionally, it causes excessive daytime sleepiness, mood swings, and various other health problems. In children with sleep apnea, it can affect their physical development, emotions, learning abilities, and intelligence. It is evident that sleep apnea has more negative impacts on health than one might think. Therefore, if you are aware that you or someone in your family has sleep apnea, it is advisable to undergo a check-up to determine if your sleep apnea is dangerous and to assess the risks and provide necessary care.

Recognizing the symptoms… When should you see a doctor?

• Frequent and severe occurrences of sleep apnea
• Periods of snoring alternating with cessation of breathing
• Feeling of breathlessness and choking during sleep
• Teeth grinding during sleep
• Waking up in the morning feeling unrested and as if sleep was not sufficient
• Frequent morning headaches
• Dry mouth, dry throat, and sore throat upon waking up
• Fatigue, excessive sleepiness, and abnormal sleepiness during the day
• Lack of concentration, poor memory, inefficiency at work, and difficulty making decisions

Diagnosis

The doctor will take a medical history and perform a preliminary health examination. They may consider conducting a sleep test (Sleep Test) to determine if there is any sleep apnea during sleep. A sleep test can identify various abnormalities that occur during sleep by monitoring changes in physiological parameters such as brain waves, heart waves, blood oxygen levels, detecting signs of lung and abdominal expansion, and measuring breathing rate and snoring levels. In addition, the severity of the condition will be assessed to make a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment methods.

Treatment for sleep apnea and sleep apnea with cessation of breathing

1. Non-surgical treatment

• Change certain behaviors such as weight loss , adjusting sleeping positions to sleep on the side, establishing a regular sleep schedule, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Void using medications that have a central nervous system suppressant effect , such as sleeping pills and allergy medications that cause drowsiness.
• Use oral appliances to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway during sleep.This is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea.ง
• Use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices during sleep. This is suitable for individuals with severe sleep apnea.
• Consider medication in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms and issues related to nasal congestion and allergies.
  

2. Treatment with Surgery

Treating sleep apnea with surgery involves enlarging the upper airway and correcting abnormalities in the body. The decision to use surgical treatment depends on the nature of the problem, symptoms, and severity in each individual, and there are various surgical approaches available, including: 

• Nasal surgery using high-frequency radio waves to shrink the turbinates and reduce nasal congestion.
• Surgery to remove or modify the nasal septum, which is obstructing the airway.
• Surgery to trim or remove the adenoids or tonsils.
• Soft palate surgery to address issues with the soft palate.
• Tongue base surgery.
• Jaw surgery.

Sleep apnea is a health problem that is often overlooked, although it should not be ignored because it has negative effects not only on the affected individuals but also on those who live with them. It affects relationships and overall health. Therefore, if you notice preliminary symptoms and suspect that you or someone close to you may be at risk of abnormal sleep apnea, it may be time to consult a doctor and undergo a sleep test to assess the risk and severity of the condition and plan for further treatment.

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