Sleep Apnea

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and depression. These symptoms occur due to repeated interruptions in breathing that cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood. Common sleep apnea symptoms include - 

• Feeling tired or even exhausted when waking up
• Daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Mood changes
• Waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night
• Unusual breathing patterns
• Insomnia
• Night sweats and feeling restless at night
• Sexual dysfunction
• Waking up feeling short of breath or like you’re choking
• Headaches, especially when waking up

There are mainly three types of sleep apnea -

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Central sleep apnea (CSA)
• Mixed/complex sleep apnea

The main cause of sleep apnea is the relaxation of the muscles in the throat during sleep, which obstructs the airway and leads to a pause in breathing. This can happen due to various factors such as obesity, a narrow airway, enlarged tonsils, and nasal congestion. Central sleep apnea, one of the types of sleep apnea is usually caused due to heart failure, low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia), and nervous system damage.

Doctors usually perform a sleep study or polysomnography to diagnose sleep apnea. This test measures various parameters such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing patterns during sleep. The test is typically conducted in a sleep laboratory, but home sleep testing is also available in some cases.

The treatment for sleep apnea depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol can help alleviate symptoms. For moderate to severe cases, treatment options include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, surgery, and positional therapy.

Conservative treatments include non-surgical methods like - 

• Weight loss
• Position changes while sleeping and sleep aid items
• Nasal sprays, adhesive strips, etc
• Treating the underlying condition
• Medication changes

CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. Oral appliances are custom-made devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction. 

Surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue in the throat or to correct structural abnormalities. Surgical methods include - 

• Somnoplasty
• Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
• Jaw surgery
• Nasal surgery

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionising the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. 

In addition, CMRI has several eminent specialists, doctors and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalised treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic care for patients seeking treatment for sleep apnea. Here are a few advantages of choosing CMRI for sleep apnea treatment- 

• Highly qualified and experienced doctors
• 440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
• Thorough screening and diagnosis
• Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
• Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
• Pain management and palliative care
• Complete and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers.