Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Surgery Or CPAP?
The field of sleep disorders is now a recognized specialty in medicine and, in the future, will become a surgical specialty too.
Once accepted as something you just put up with or just an annoying trait of a bed partner, snoring has become linked to ill health effects, particularly when coupled with the more serious form - obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgeons treating obstructive sleep apnea tend to be oral and maxillofacial surgeons (qualified in both medicine and dentistry) and ENT surgeons (Ear, Nose and Throat specialists, sub-specializing in otolaryngology).
The current treatment of choice for sleep-disordered breathing is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
This involves wearing a noisy, snug fitting mask or nasal device throughout the night, for as long as the symptoms persist.
For many, this could be the rest of their lives.
While this therapy is undoubtedly effective, there is a marked problem with compliance.
Current understanding of the process responsible for obstructive sleep apnea is that nocturnal narrowing or obstruction is identified as one or two areas, or may encompass the entire upper airway passages - including the nasal cavity, the palate (oropharynx) and the base of the tongue (hypopharynx).
Other non-surgical treatments are centred on dental splints (also known as mandibular advancement devices) or making lifestyle changes.
The lifestyle factor that has the most influence on obstructive sleep apnea is an abnormally high body mass index (BMI).
So while reducing alcohol consumption and giving up smoking are recommended, much emphasis is placed on safely losing weight.
Conservative medical therapy or adjustments to lifestyle are usually recommended first, with the possibility of surgery further down the line.
Please be aware that results from surgery depend on the type of sleep disordered breathing you have and the appropriateness of that procedure for your condition.
Once accepted as something you just put up with or just an annoying trait of a bed partner, snoring has become linked to ill health effects, particularly when coupled with the more serious form - obstructive sleep apnea.
Surgeons treating obstructive sleep apnea tend to be oral and maxillofacial surgeons (qualified in both medicine and dentistry) and ENT surgeons (Ear, Nose and Throat specialists, sub-specializing in otolaryngology).
The current treatment of choice for sleep-disordered breathing is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
This involves wearing a noisy, snug fitting mask or nasal device throughout the night, for as long as the symptoms persist.
For many, this could be the rest of their lives.
While this therapy is undoubtedly effective, there is a marked problem with compliance.
Current understanding of the process responsible for obstructive sleep apnea is that nocturnal narrowing or obstruction is identified as one or two areas, or may encompass the entire upper airway passages - including the nasal cavity, the palate (oropharynx) and the base of the tongue (hypopharynx).
Other non-surgical treatments are centred on dental splints (also known as mandibular advancement devices) or making lifestyle changes.
The lifestyle factor that has the most influence on obstructive sleep apnea is an abnormally high body mass index (BMI).
So while reducing alcohol consumption and giving up smoking are recommended, much emphasis is placed on safely losing weight.
Conservative medical therapy or adjustments to lifestyle are usually recommended first, with the possibility of surgery further down the line.
Please be aware that results from surgery depend on the type of sleep disordered breathing you have and the appropriateness of that procedure for your condition.
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