Snoring is indication of a windpipe that is prone to obstruction. In fact, snoring sound forms when our body strives to breathe through congested windpipe. Snoring is not always innocent; it might sometimes be the sign of a danger called “sleep apnea”, which is a life threathening condition.
What is Obstructive (blocking) Sleep Apnea Syndrome?
In Greek, “apnea” means absence of respiration. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is the recurrent suspension of breathing during sleep. During these breathing pauses at sleep, oxygenation in blood diminishes and each apnea is followed by seconds of wakefulness state. Apnea might recur hundreds of times throughtout the night. Sleep apnea patients cannot have a restful sound sleep, because of these tens and even hundreds of interruptions. They wake up tired the next morning. Air flow in that region shown with the sign is suspended. Severe snoring is one of the most frequently seen indications of “obstructive sleep apnea syndrome”. Sometimes the snoring gets so loud that even the neighbors can hear. Interruption of snoring with short pauses is the indicator of apnea. In the mornings, waking up tired, dryness of the mouth, headaches and in the day time, sleeplessness, gaining weight, depression, forgetfulness, attention deficit, getting angry easily, loss of productivity at work, lack of sexual drive and impotency are commonly seen situations.
Why is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome dangerous?
Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and snoring have higher risk of hypertension, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmia, paralysis (stroke) and sudden death, in the long term. In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome cases, due to falling asleep at work or behind the wheel, substantial increase in traffic and workplace accidents is being observed.
How to identify the disease?
Respiratory disorder at sleep can be diagnosed by “polysomnography test”. With the help of polysomnography test, sleeping phases, number of breathing suspensions at sleep, how the sleep is affected and other conditions that interrup the sleep are identified. Following a night- long sleep, your doctor interprets the test and tells you the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of your condition. Before planning the treatment, patients need to be examined by an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.
What can be done during the treatment?
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treatment is determined based on the life style and severity of the disease. Patients are encouraged to lose weight and avoid taking sleeping pills and alcohol before going to sleep. Treatment is achieved by eliminating the underlying cause of obstruction. The most effective and definite treatment is the air compressors called CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure). By this treatment, snoring, suspensions of breathing during sleep and the short and long term problems emerging due to these conditions are totally annihilated.
CPAP types
By the surgical methods, the areas, which cause upper respiratory system obstruction, are reformed. By the radiofrequency method – without surgery – the same areas are
vaporized (melted off).
Do I have sleep apnea?
If you are answering “always” or “frequently” to one or more of the following questions, then you should see our Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist.
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Rarely |
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Uneasy Sleep |
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Snoring |
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Sleepiness during daytime |
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Falling asleep pretty fast during daytime |
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Decrease in wakefulness during daytime |
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Getting angry and agitated pretty quickly |
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Morning headaches |
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Forgetfulnes |
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Mood swings |
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Anxiety and depression |
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Lack of sexual drive |
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