Sleep Apnea: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by recurrent breathing pauses during sleep. While this condition reduces the quality of sleep, it can also lead to serious health problems such as daytime fatigue, impaired concentration and cardiovascular problems in the long term. Sleep apnea, which is closely related to Ear Nose Throat (ENT) diseases, is usually caused by obstructions in the airways. In this article, the symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment options of sleep apnea will be discussed in detail.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is often recognized not by the patient, but by their partner or family, because its most obvious symptoms occur during sleep. Here are common symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud Snoring: One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is loud snoring. This snoring is caused by airway obstruction and usually continues throughout sleep.
- Pauses in breathing: Pauses in breathing during sleep are a characteristic feature of sleep apnea. These pauses can last from a few seconds to several minutes and recur throughout the night. Each pause is usually followed by a sudden awakening or deep breathing.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness: Due to poor quality sleep, people with sleep apnea may feel excessively sleepy throughout the day. This can negatively affect work performance and overall quality of life.
- Morning Headaches: Sleep apnea can cause a drop in oxygen levels during the night, which can lead to waking up with a headache in the morning.
- Impaired Concentration: Sleep apnea can cause cognitive difficulties such as distraction and memory problems.
- Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: People with sleep apnea may wake up in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat, especially when they sleep by breathing through their mouth.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea
The most common method for diagnosing sleep apnea is polysomnography, also known as sleep testing. Polysomnography is a comprehensive test that monitors various functions of the body during sleep. During this test, parameters such as brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, respiratory movements and snoring are measured. The following methods are used to diagnose sleep apnea:
- Home Sleep Test: For milder cases of sleep apnea, a home sleep test can be performed. This test allows the patient to monitor breathing, oxygen levels and some other parameters while sleeping at home.
- Polysomnography: This test, performed in a sleep laboratory, is the most comprehensive method used to determine the type and severity of sleep apnea. During the test, many physiological parameters are monitored during the patient’s sleep.
- ENT Examination: ENT specialists can perform an examination of the nose, mouth and throat to determine the cause of airway obstructions. The presence of structural abnormalities in the nose and throat is also assessed.
Treatment Methods of Sleep Apnea
The methods used to treat sleep apnea vary depending on the severity of the disease, the underlying causes and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: In mild cases of sleep apnea, lifestyle changes can be effective. These changes include weight loss, avoiding alcohol and smoking, changing sleeping position and avoiding heavy meals before going to sleep.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Device: The CPAP device is the most commonly used device to treat sleep apnea. This device provides a continuous flow of air through the nose or mouth to keep the patient’s airway open while they sleep.
- Oral appliances: Oral appliances can be used in mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. These appliances open the airway by pulling the lower jaw forward and improve breathing.
- Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of sleep apnea due to a structural anomaly. Surgical options include correction of the nasal septum, removal of the tonsils, or other procedures that widen the airway.
- Allergy Treatment: If sleep apnea is associated with a condition such as allergic rhinitis, allergy treatment can also be an effective solution. In this case, antihistamines, corticosteroid sprays and other allergy medications may be used.
Relationship of Sleep Apnea with ENT
ENT diseases play an important role among the causes of sleep apnea. Especially obstructions in the upper respiratory tract can lead to sleep apnea. Nasal obstructions, nasal flesh growths, deviated septum (curved nasal bone) and enlarged tonsils are among the ENT conditions that can cause sleep apnea. Therefore, it is important that patients with suspected sleep apnea are evaluated by ENT specialists.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can lead to serious health problems. However, it is a manageable condition with correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is important for people who notice the symptoms of sleep apnea to consult an ENT specialist and evaluate appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. As HC International Clinic, we offer the most up-to-date and effective methods in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.
