Sleep Apnea; Types, Causes, and Treatment

Individuals who exhibit symptoms related to sleep apnea should consult an ENT specialist in Islamabad who can help in diagnosis and guidance about treatment choices. The treatment helps the patient to manage a healthier and prosperous life.

What does sleep apnea mean?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the individual’s breathing gets interrupted while sleeping. Individuals who snore and remain fatigued after long sleep may suffer from the condition.

What are the types of sleep apnea?

There are three types of sleep apnea, which are:

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the throat muscles contract.

Central sleep apnea occurs when there is distortion in the signals sent by the brain to muscles that are responsible for controlling breathing.

Treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea occurs when the individual suffers from both; obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?

•         The individual loudly snores while sleeping.
•         Caregivers or family members notice that the individual stopped breathing while sleeping
•         The individual wakes due to dry mouth
•         Suffer from insomnia or hypersomnia
•         Experience morning headaches
•         Remain irritable for most of the day
•         Unable to concentrate while awake

What are the causes of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea?

The condition occurs when the muscles behind the throat relax and the airway narrows down. The person is unable to breathe due to lack of oxygen, and the brain immediately sends signals, and the person becomes alert. The person might not remember what woke him, but it may occur multiple times at night.

What are the causes of suffering from central sleep apnea?

The brain fails to send the signal to the muscles controlling the breathing process. The person might not be able to breathe for a short span. The type of sleep apnea is rare; the person becomes alert and finds it difficult to sleep.

What complications correlate with sleep apnea?

•         Fatigued and Irritable: The individuals suffering from sleep apnea are unable to manage the tasks due to fatigue. They remain irritable as they cannot concentrate on the tasks at hand and function adequately personally and professionally.
•         Heart-related problems: Due to fluctuation in blood oxygen levels, the person becomes prone to suffer from hypertension.
•         Diabetes: It increases the chances of type 2 diabetes.
•         Compromised Liver: The condition correlates with fatty liver disease.

What tests assist in diagnoses?

The tests that help in diagnosis are:

•         Polysomnography: The test monitors the organ functioning, oxygen level, and breathing pattern of the patient.
•         Sleep Apnea Test: The test checks the drop in oxygen level and sleep pattern of the patient.

What are the effective treatment options?

The treatments proven beneficial are:

•         Septoplasty: The procedure is recommended in severe conditions. The process involves the correction of the septum.
•         UPP: The procedure removes the soft tissue from the throat and allows the airway to widen.
•         Adenoidectomy: The surgical procedure removes the large adenoids.
•         Avoid Smoking: Eradicating the habit of smoking from the lifestyle helps ease the symptoms.
•         Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Obesity correlates with the condition; hence, it is essential to maintain a healthy body weight.

Individuals or caregivers who notice the symptoms should consult the ENT specialist in Karachi, who can assist in the diagnosis and treatment options proven effective for sleep apnea.

Read More: HOW TO SLEEP WELL DESPITE CHRONIC PAIN?