Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during your sleep, disrupts your sleeping cycle, and negatively impacts your health and well-being. No doubt, lifestyle challenges, and therapy are often the first lines of defense. Some people might require a more permanent solution. You might wonder if surgery can be the key to unlocking restful nights and a better sense of energy. Well, in this guide, you can learn everything about the world the treatments.
- Understanding sleep apnea
It is a pervasive but often overlooked condition that can severely impact the quality of your life. The most common form of is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax excessively, causing a temporary airway blockage. Central sleep apnea is less common and happens when your brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles. This ailment is more common than you might realize, impacting millions globally. If it is not treated well, it can lead to severe health issues like hypertension and heart disease.
The most noticeable symptom is often loud snoring, which is incredibly disruptive to partners. Another person can also witness episodes of stopped breathing, frequently gasping for air, during sleep.
- Treatment options for sleep apnea
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is undoubtedly the gold standard treatment, but it is not the only option available. It involves wearing a mask over your nose or mouth at bedtime, which delivers a constant stream of air to keep the Airways open. While it's highly effective, you might find it uncomfortable and cumbersome, leading to poor compliance.
If you cannot tolerate this therapy, other treatments might be considered, like custom-fitted devices worn in your mouth at night to keep the airway by repositioning the jaw or tongue. Weight loss, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, and changing sleep positions can significantly improve your condition. You can click https://drkhliment.com.sg/sleep-apnea-singapore-treatment-surgery to know more about the different treatments.
- Sleep apnea surgery
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio frequency energy to shrink the tissues in the airway. It is beneficial for minimally invasive procedures with a short recovery time. Full jaw surgery involves moving the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway. It has some high success rates for treating severe signs of this ailment.
- Can you go for sleep apnea surgery?
Tests can help confirm the diagnosis and severity of this medical condition. A full MRI can help evaluate the airway structure and identify obstructions. When other treatments fail, a comprehensive review of medical history, symptoms, and previous treatment attempts for surgery is often considered for moderate to severe cases. Structural abnormalities contribute to airway obstruction. General health and any underlying conditions might impact surgery or recovery.
- Benefits and risks of sleep apnea surgery
No doubt, can offer significant benefits. It's essential for you to consider potential risks and set realistic expectations. You might experience deep, restful nights post-surgery. Furthermore, reduced daytime fatigue leads to better alertness and productivity.
Exploring the possibility of the surgery with a qualified sleep specialist can help you make the right decision and find a treatment plan tailored to your requirements. Just remember that consulting a professional is essential for receiving a customized evaluation and determining the more suitable path to restful nights.
