I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a few months ago. I was advised to use a CPAP machine. Unfortunately, although it is quite effective, I just can’t get used to wearing one while I’m asleep. What are the causes of sleep apnea? Are there surgeries for sleep apnea? How do they work?
Sleep apnea refers to the stopping of one’s breathing while sleeping. There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep apnea. It is usually caused by the presence of excess tissues in the airway, large tonsils, large tongues and the collapse of throat muscles while a person in asleep which blocks the airway, stopping the flow of air from the nose and the mouth to the lungs.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) is a rare type of sleep apnea that happens when the brain signal that tells the body to breathe is delayed. This disorder can be caused by a stroke, a brain tumor or a viral brain infection in the brainstem. Mixed sleep apnea is the combination of Central Sleep Apnea and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
First of all, it is important for you to know which type of sleep apnea you have. Since Central Sleep Apnea is not caused by a physical obstruction and is a neurological issue, there are no permanent means of fixing this type of sleep apnea. Most of the time CPAP machines and prescribed drugs are the best cure for this illness.
If you are diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you can consider undergoing surgeries for sleep apnea that will remove the obstruction in your throat area. These procedures involve increasing the size of your airway by removing excess tissues, shrinking inner tissues or changing the structure of your jaw. The good thing about surgeries for sleep apnea is that they can permanently cure your sleep apnea, eliminating the need for other treatments.
Of course, you need to consider some disadvantages if you are planning to go through surgery. Some procedures may need to be performed several times before they can permanently cure your sleep apnea. Also, you should consider that an operation can make it difficult to apply other treatments if it is unsuccessful. Lastly, you need to be prepared for the serious side effects such as pain and throat swelling that may occur after the procedure.
One of the most common surgeries for sleep apnea is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) which involves the removal of the uvula, the fleshy tissue hanging at the end of your palate, and the other excess tissues in the throat area. This procedure also includes tightening the muscles of your throat area with the help of plastic surgery.
You can also opt for a mandibular myotomy which involves cutting a rectangular portion from the front portion of your jaw, pulling it out and twisting it by 90 degrees before re-attaching it. This will move your tongue forward by six to ten millimeters, stopping it from falling back into your throat area.
Radio frequency procedure or somnoplasty is the latest surgical procedure for sleep apnea. It involves inserting an electrode into the tongue, throat or soft palate and heating the inner tissue in any of these areas, causing them to shrink.
Of course, before signing up for any of these procedures, you should consult your doctor so that he can prescribe the most suitable procedure for your condition. This will help in lessening the risks of going through surgeries for sleep apnea.