Sleep Apnea - ENT

Sleep Apnea Treatment Abroad

Overview

leep apnea is a relatively common condition for many adults.  Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to start and stop repeatedly as you sleep.  Two different types of sleep apnea are generally diagnosed: obstructive sleep apnea, cause when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain doesn't send adequate signals to respiratory muscles that control the breeding process.  A person can have one or both types of sleep apnea.

In some cases, sleep apnea may be caused by being overweight or obese, or maybe cost by heart disease. Interrupted breathing patterns can occur up to 30 times or more an hour throughout the night.

Such sleeping conditions may cause severe fatigue, lack of concentration and irritability for those diagnosed with the condition.  At worst, individuals dealing with sleep apnea may not be receiving adequate amounts of oxygen, and daytime sleepiness as well as snoring often occurs.

Treatment for sleep apnea not only encourages a good night’s rest, but also may help diagnose and deal with coexisting medical factors such as heart disease and obesity.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

A relaxing of muscles at the back of the throat causes sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea.  People who snore loudly and heavily may also have sleep apnea.  When the muscles at the back of the throat relax, the airway may even close as you inhale.  This repetition may cause lower levels of intake oxygen in the blood.  As your brain realizes that it's not receiving enough oxygen, your brain will stimulate you to wake up so that you can breathe properly.  Most people don't even realize they're waking up repeatedly through the night.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through portable monitoring devices that measure airflow, breathing patterns, heart rate and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.  You may also be requested to engage in what is called nocturnal polysomnography, a test during which an individual is hooked up to equipment that provides constant monitoring of your brain activity, oxygen levels, heart and lung function and even your arm and leg movements.

Individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are often referred to in the ear, nose and throat doctor or otolaryngologist to rule out conditions in the throat or knows that may cause blockage.  You may also be sent to a cardiologist or a neurologist to assess symptoms and causes of sleep apnea.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP device.  Known as continuous positive airway pressure, and individual wears a mask placed over the nose during sleep.  The CPAP machine measures a hand supplies adequate air pressure to keep the upper airway open.

Another device is called an adjustable airway pressure device.  Some devices are able to supply what are called by level positive airway pressure.  This BP AP machine applies more air pressure when you inhale, and reduced pressure as you exhale.  This device may be more comfortable and easy to live with than a CPAP device.

In some cases, individuals may be fitted with an oral appliance that forces the jaw forward, keeping the throat open.  Such devices will also help relieve loud snoring and are commonly used in the treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Surgery may be recommended to remove excessive amounts of tissue from the nose or throat that may cause blockage of upper air passages.  Individuals with life-threatening sleep apnea may undergo a tracheostomy, where the surgeon creates an opening in the neck and inserts around, short plastic or metal to that facilitates breathing.  The opening is covered up during daytime hours, but uncovered at night to allow immediate access of air to the lungs, literally bypassing the blocked portion of the air passage between your nose and mouth and your lungs.

Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatments

The cost of CPAP and beat Devices depend on manufacturer, style, and recommendations by your doctor.  Individuals may spend up to several thousand dollars for a CPAP machine and accessories including mask headgear, the mask itself, to being, batteries and CPAP machine filters.  However, individuals may obtain CPAP devices including accessories for under $1,500 in India.

For more information about sleep apnea procedures and where you can find the best treatment option, do not hesitate to contact us!