Sleep apnea

There are basically two types of sleep apnoea - Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and Central sleep apnoea (CSA).

• Obstructive sleep apnoea- OSA occurs due to air passage blockage at the back of the throat. Limitation of airflow can occur throughout the night and stimulates a period of disturbed sleep.
• Central sleep apnoea- The brain doesn't convey a signal to the body to breathe. The central nervous system stops functioning and stroke are two of the major reasons for CSA. Individuals suffering from complications of heart and lung can experience this type.

There are different sleep apnoea symptoms which include:

• Loud snores
• Air gasping
• Breathing stops for a while, followed by a noisy breath
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Heartburn
• Erectile dysfunction
• Irritability
• Waking up several times during the night
• Insomnia
• Difficult concentrating

There are various risk factors which become the primary sleep apnoea causes and here are they:

• Neck circumference
• Excess weight
• Narrowed airway
• Old age
• Family history
• Alcohol use, including sedatives or tranquilliser
• Smoking
• Nasal congestion
• Medical conditions like high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and type 2 diabetes

The healthcare provider initiates the sleep apnoea diagnosis by making an assessment depending on the patient’s symptoms and sleep history. Usually, the patient is sent to a sleep disorder centre to a sleep specialist so that they can assist in determining the need for further evaluation. Here are the tests which are usually recommended to diagnose sleep apnoea:

• Polysomnography
• Electroencephalogram
• Electrooculogram
• Pulse oximetry test
• Electrocardiogram
• Electromyography

The aim of sleep apnoea treatment is to control and manage the symptoms. Many approaches are there to treat sleep apnoea depending on its type and how serious it is. The probable treatment options for sleep apnoea are:

• Conservative treatments- It involves positive changes while sleeping and sleep aid items, weight loss, nasal sprays, etc.
• Positive airway pressure and adaptive ventilation devices- It is a way to enhance the air pressure inside of the airway while you inhale. It helps to treat obstructive, central, and mixed sleep apnoea
• Nerve stimulators- It benefits in controlling the movements of the tongue while the patient is breathing and sleeping
• Medications- These include medications like hypnotics, respiratory-stimulating drugs, etc.
• Surgery- It is recommended in rare cases and involves options like nasal surgery, jaw surgery, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, tonsillectomy, and somnoplasty

Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur is a multi-special hospital delivering the best healthcare services to its patients. The hospital strives to deliver services to its patients as per their health requirements. The integration of the team of the finest doctors having years of experience in their fields helps us in standing out among other healthcare service providers. We have accommodated the most advanced technological equipment in our hospital that not only benefits in consistent and fast treatment but also assists us in offering economical services to our patients. If you are looking for sleep apnoea treatment, consult our specialists, they are your good-to solution.