Sleep Apnea Surgery

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by irregular breathing during periods of sleep. While a sufferer is asleep, he or she will frequently and irregularly stop breathing, often for longer than 10 seconds. These gaps are called apneas. There are two forms of sleep apnea: central (where breathing is interrupted because the body makes no effort to inhale) and more commonly, obstructive (where the body attempts to breath normally but there is a block in the airflow). Sleep apnea can be fatal.

Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are rarely aware that they have the disorder. The condition is often present for years before it is diagnosed. In nearly every case, the disorder is recognized by someone who witnesses the sufferer not breathing while asleep.

Surgery can be performed to help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea. The procedure involves removing soft tissue from the upper airway or expanding the jaw structures that restrict airflow.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. If you wake up suddenly during the night and find that you are gasping for air or perspiring heavily, you may have sleep apnea and should speak to a health care professional. Additionally, if you wake up with a sore throat and feel tired during the day, you may be at risk.
  2. As many as 90 percent of adults with obstructive sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
  3. If your child breathes through his or her mouth while sleeping, this should be seen as a red flag for childhood sleep apnea.
  4. Sleep apnea surgery can be relatively noninvasive, depending on how severe the sleep apnea is. There are several different types of sleep apnea surgery, including nasal surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplsty (removal of soft tissue from the palate and uvula), pharyngoplasty (removal of the tonsils), genioglossus advancement (pulling the base of the tongue forward) and maxillomandibular advancement (moving the jaw forward).
  5. Not getting a full, restful sleep can be very harmful to your health. Sleep apnea can play a role in obesity, hypertension, heart attacks, diabetes and depression.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?
  2. Am I a good candidate for sleep apnea surgery?
  3. Are there any risks involved with sleep apnea surgery?

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