Sleep Apnea Treatment in India
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is recognized as a significant sleep disorder. It occurs when the brain and the rest of the body receive inadequate oxygen supply during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing. Individuals with sleep apnea experience repeated episodes of starting and stopping breathing while asleep.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are different types of sleep apnea, with the primary category being :
Obstructive Sleep Apnea : The prevalent form of sleep apnea observed in individuals is associated with a respiratory disturbance. In this particular type, a person experiences either complete or partial blockage of the upper airway, leading to challenges in breathing both during sleep and in regular circumstances when the soft tissue at the rear of the throat collapses during sleep. Common indicators of this type of apnea include restlessness during sleep, daytime drowsiness, and struggles with early morning awakening.
Central Sleep Apnea : Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily ceases to send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Some indicative symptoms of central sleep apnea include nighttime chest pain, breathlessness, difficulties in falling asleep (insomnia), and excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia).
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome : Complex sleep apnea syndrome encompasses both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Individuals with this condition experience prolonged periods of interrupted breathing. Also referred to as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, symptoms may manifest as an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and obesity.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common symptoms observed in sleep apneas include :
Loud Snoring : The prevalent symptom during sleep is the occurrence of harsh sounds while breathing. This phenomenon occurs when air flows through relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate and produce the distinctive sound during breathing.
Gasping for air during sleep : During sleep, the obstruction of the airway results in breathing difficulties, prompting the individual to gasp for air.
Dry mouth in the morning : The predominant symptom in an individual with sleep apnea is often:
Morning Headache : Upon waking up in the morning, individuals experiencing sleep apnea may often report a mild headache.
Insomnia : Individuals grappling with sleep apnea may encounter difficulties in both falling asleep and maintaining a consistent sleep pattern. This challenge is commonly referred to as insomnia, which itself is a type of sleep disorder.
Hypersomnia : Despite having a lengthy period of sleep, individuals may experience profound daytime fatigue.
Irritability : Individuals with sleep apnea may find themselves becoming irritable and experiencing feelings of anger without apparent cause.
Lack of Concentration : A prevalent symptom in individuals with sleep apnea is a noticeable lack of concentration while engaging in various tasks.
Effects of Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can pose risks to one's health, leading to various associated issues such as :
Risk factors related to Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can impact individuals across all age groups, including childhood. Certain risk factors associated with sleep apnea include :
Tests related to Sleep Apnea
The diagnostic process for detecting sleep apnea typically involves the following tests :
Home Sleep Tests : These tests commonly gauge your heart rate, blood oxygen level, airflow, and breathing patterns. They are relatively simple and can be conducted at home for diagnosing sleep apnea. However, if the results are atypical, your doctor may recommend further testing or, in some cases, initiate treatment based on the observed symptoms.
Nocturnal Polysomnography : During this test, a person is monitored by medical equipment that observes heart activity, lung function, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, blood oxygen levels, and brain activity throughout the sleep cycle.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
The doctor may propose straightforward adjustments to your daily routine and lifestyle. Recommendations may include avoiding junk and fatty foods, quitting smoking, and eliminating alcohol consumption. Additionally, therapies and surgical options can be employed for the treatment of sleep apnea. The treatments for sleep apnea encompass :
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) : This treatment involves a device that administers air pressure via a mask during sleep. It is utilized for mild to severe cases of sleep apnea. Typically, CPAP consists of a mask placed over the nose or mouth, gently delivering air into the airway to prevent it from collapsing during sleep.
Implants : After receiving anesthesia, soft spikes, typically made of polyester or plastic, are surgically implanted into the soft palate.
Jaw Repositioning This technique involves pushing the jaw forward relative to the other facial bones, creating more room behind the tongue and soft palate, thereby reducing obstruction. Medically, this approach is referred to as maxillomandibular advancement.
Nerve Stimulation : During this surgical procedure, a stimulator is implanted for the hypoglossal nerve, responsible for controlling tongue movement. Following the surgery, the heightened stimulation assists in maintaining the tongue in a position that keeps the airway open.
Tissue Removal : In this surgical procedure, the physician extracts tissue from the back of the mouth and the upper throat. Additionally, this process involves the removal of a person's tonsils and adenoids.
Tissue Shrinkage : As an alternative to surgery, this approach involves the surgeon reducing the tissue at the back of the mouth and the rear of the throat through radiofrequency ablation. This method is often employed to address mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Tracheostomy : In instances where sleep apnea poses a life-threatening risk and other treatments prove ineffective, surgery becomes necessary. In this procedure, the surgeon creates an opening in the neck and inserts a metal or plastic tube, allowing the individual to breathe.
Robotics Treatment : Transoral Robotic Surgery (TOBS) represents a cutting-edge surgical technique conducted through the mouth. In this procedure, the doctor eliminates obstructive tissue from the mouth, tongue, or throat of the patient, typically addressing cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Leveraging robotic technology, this surgical approach offers surgeons a more precise and minimally invasive option for treating sleep-related breathing issues. The state-of-the-art surgery employs specially designed wristed instruments, providing the surgeon with enhanced vision, control, expertise, and precision.
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
