OSA is due to the collapse of the soft tissue which results in the obstruction of the airway passage. This the most common of the three sleep apneas.
Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Like Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), OSA can have many underlying causes. Some patients can even have more than one condition that causes OSA.
The causes can include, but are not limited to:
- Anatomical variation of facial bones
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids
- Nasal congestion
- Enlarged turbinates and septal bone deviation
- Dental conditions such as large overbite
- Obesity
- Heavy smoking and drinking
In CSA, the condition occurs due to dysfunction of signalling and feedback mechanism to the brainstem that controls respiration.
Causes of Central Sleep Apnoea
There can be different causes of central sleep apnoea. Some patients can have more than one underlying cause. Some of the causes include:
- Neurological lesions
- Malformations
- Stroke and damaged brain stem
This includes a combination of both central sleep apnoea and obstructive sleep apnoea . It is also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnoea
Sleep apnea symptoms
There can be some signs that you might be suffering from sleep apnoea. Some of these signs include:
- Reduced or absent breathing
- Frequent snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Dozing off at traffic light or when operating machineries
- Learning, memory and cognitive deficits
- Dry mouth or headaches
- Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido
If you suspect that you have sleep apnoea, it is advisable to consult an ENT Specialist Doctor.
Effects of Sleep Apnea on Health
There are short and long term complications of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can result in insufficient/ low quality sleep which can affect your quality of life. The lack of sleep can also cause fatigue and sleepiness during the day. As such, learning, memory and cognitive functions are implicated. This translates to poorer performance in school and at work.
Because some patients are unaware or do not treat their condition, they may eventually develop chronic sleep apnea. Chronic sleep apnea has been shown to cause and increase the risk of cardiac diseases [1]. One of the reasons is due to the increased sympathetic tone that can cause high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation [1,2]. Chronic sleep apnea is also associated with increased risk of asthma, metabolic disorders such type 2 diabetes and pregnancy complications [3,4]. As such, it is important to resolve this condition as soon as possible.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
The current gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea is through a sleep study. During the study, parameters such as brain waves, eye, muscle and breathing patterns are recorded and monitored. Because there are different kinds of sleep studies and different administering methods, some studies are conducted in the sleep clinic / hospital while some can be done at home. Your ENT doctor will decide which is more appropriate for you.
What is a sleep study?
If a sleep study is indicated, you may require a day’s stay at the hospital. During a sleep study, brain activity, eye movement, vitals and more, will be measured. A polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) will be in touch with you and he/she would provide further details on the test. He/she will also be administering the study.
What to prepare before sleep study in a sleep clinic?
If you need to stay at the sleep clinic, make sure to arrive a little earlier before your usual bedtime. Make sure to:
- Have dinner and are ready for bed.
- Bring your medications if applicable.
- Bring comfortable clothes that you normally sleep in.
- Bring your bathroom toiletries.
What To Expect In A Sleep Clinic ?
Your ENT doctor will begin with a detail interview on your symptoms, sleep pattern and sleep quality. He will perform a physical examination especially a nasoendoscopy to assess the upper airway anatomy. A sleep study will be arranged soon after in a medical sleep laboratory or at your home to determine the types and severity of sleep apnoea. Your ENT doctor will go through your sleep report, correlating it to your history and physical findings. He will tailor an individualised treatment plan to improve your sleep quality and get rid of your sleeping blues.
Sleep Apnea Management / Treatment
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnoea, the doctor would advise you accordingly. One of the common managements include
Weight Loss
Excess weight is an important factor in obstructive sleep apnoea. Hence losing weight is paramount to the successful treatment especially if you are overweight or obese. Additionally, losing weight can decrease your cardiovascular and diabetes risk].
Smoking and/or Drinking
Studies have shown an increased association of smoking and alcohol consumption with sleep apnoea. As such, cessation from them can contribute to the success in the management of the condition.
Allergy management
If allergy is the main culprit, treating the allergy will improve the nasal congestion, reduce mouth breathing and hence improve sleep apnoea. Avoidance to the triggering stimulus is also indicated. For a more detailed explanation of allergy management, refer to: ________
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP)
CPAP is a positive airway pressure ventilator, which applies positive air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airway passage open during sleep.This helps prevent the effects of obstructive sleep apnoea from occurring.
Oral appliances such as the Mandibular Advancement Device can help with the symptoms of OSA as it can push the lower jaws forward and hereby ensuring a patent airway which restores airflow.
If surgery is indicated, it is performed to address the various areas of obstruction. The results may vary between individuals. This is usually offered when non-surgical means are unsuccessful.
For children with OSA, the ENT specialist would usually perform an adenoidectomy and/or a tonsillectomy (removal of adenoids and tonsils respectively). Your doctor may also perform radiofrequency (ablation) on the inferior turbinates.
For adults with OSA, depending on the area of obstruction, the doctor may perform
- Nose : septoplasty, turbinoplasty, radiofrequency. This is to relief nasal congestion, improve nasal breathing, reduce mouth breathing. Overall, it can reduce the prolapse of tongue base and obstructed airway.
- Palate: palatal surgery such as the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This also reduces obstruction in the upper respiratory tract.
- Tongue: Coblation and volume reduction of the tongue. However this is not commonly performed.
Why choose Ear Nose Throat, Head and Neck Surgery?
Our experienced ENT Specialists are able to diagnose whether you have sleep apnea. We are also able to do a complete assessment of your upper airway anatomy. More importantly, we are the best specialty to recommend the most appropriate treatment option for OSA and any airway obstruction.
Treatment options offered in our ENT clinic in Singapore range from non surgical approach to customised surgery specific for your needs. This would be accordingly to the severity of the condition, anatomy and patient’s preference.
Why choose our ENT Specialists?
Our ENT specialists has a total of more than 60 years of experiences treating patients with sleep apnoea. We have successfully treated hundreds of patients with our individualised and personalised approach. We have guide our patients each step of their journey and restore their sleep quality. Many were able to have a good sleep again.